Panerai 318 and fallout...

[Gregcar]

Hi all...I read all of the posts on the 318 here and on paneristi, and did my own posting...I am still not clear if that movement shown is the real movement placed in the watch by panerai. If so, then I have to say that people should be upset for the money that they paid for the watch. I personally have posted a few times on this forum, have flipped rolexes, panerai, and always seem to come back to rolex. Every model I have had has been perfect with respect to durability and timekeeping...I should say close to perfect on the timekeeping front as some of the vintage models could run a bit slow. I love the look of the paneri...however, I had the 212, and the case chipped in several spots...I had a 25, and I found the wobble, which is a charm to some, but, not to me, and the bezel which would essentially rotate with the wind. Those are common elements, from what I have read on this and other forums to the panerai line. They tout the case, but, why do they chip if the case is so great? Also, how could anyone dive with such a bezel? Impossible...also, there are numerous postings all over about problems with the in-house movements in the newer lines...

The point of my post? Although I think the jury is still out on whether these models were tampered with, or the movement is what was installed at the factory, given my experiences, and from what I have read, I would not be surprised if it was, in fact, installed at the factory... I note that many of the paneristis have turned on each other and are making personal attacks and arguing over the 318 model, and from what I can read, most of those opining on the issue don't even have the model, have never seen it, and have only read 2 accounts from people they probably don't even know except for their interaction on paneristi.com. Without any first-hand knowledge, and only after seeing the pictures posted, the war is on. OP is condemned, people on both sides of the issue are verbally attacking each other. My note to them was that if I were a 318 owner, I would head to the watchmaker forthwith, and have it opened and get to the bottom of this. Where are all the other owners? There seems to be 2 positions, one would be the unflagging loyalists who are calling it a collection piece, or making excuses, and the other side is attacking panerai.

Anyways, with all of the quality issues that have been flagged...I would not be surprised either way, as to how the movement got into the watch. I guess my point is that I cannot see why anyone would be surprised, even if it turns out the movement was installed by panerai. There are enough quality issues that have been raised over the years to suggest that when you buy one of its models, there is a pretty good chance you are going to have some issues.

So, I look down at my GMT Master (that I only received about 2 months ago) 1675, circa, 1971, on its original rivet bracelet, note that it is incredibly accurate, looks beautiful, has withstood my workouts which include running, pullups, pushups, core work, biking, etc, and my daily grind of work, and all of my weekend work...and am very grateful for it, and the quality of this 40 year old piece of machinery. My experience with panerai models, coupled with what I am seeing online about the 318, all tell me that "the best" is a term that is, in reality, something that can rarely be measured, but, one thing that we can determine, or at least opine, that we know what is "best" for us individually, and I have to say, I have concluded that Rolex is "best" for me. It is classic, rugged, durable, proven, and gorgeous.

And I conclude with the fact that I am not "loyal" to an inanimate object, or faceless company/corporation/trust, rather, I enjoy looking at, using and implementing my watch, which in my opinion, is of the "best" quality for me. I think that the company who made this watch, cared about the quality, built it for durability, and I would have no fear of opening the caseback and worrying that what I may see is, as said by several people on the other forum, a "POS."

[B. Doggy]

The movement in the 318 was installed by Panerai. I don't think anyone has ever questioned that.

[Gregcar]

I have no knowledge who installed that movement, in that condition. Panerai has not responded according to all who queried it, so who is to say that this movement was not put into the watch by someone in the aftermarket, who took the original movement out and used it for some other means. All I have seen are a couple of pictures from people that I do not know. Who is to say these aren't replica movements or watches? If panerai did install them, then that is a shame. However, other than an exchange of media from unknown individuals, no one really knows what the real story is at this point.

[snog]

Originally Posted by Gregcar

I have no knowledge who installed that movement, in that condition. Panerai has not responded according to all who queried it, so who is to say that this movement was not put into the watch by someone in the aftermarket, who took the original movement out and used it for some other means. All I have seen are a couple of pictures from people that I do not know. Who is to say these aren't replica movements or watches? If panerai did install them, then that is a shame. However, other than an exchange of media from unknown individuals, no one really knows what the real story is at this point.

you say "at this point" as if it has just come to light,this has been talked about for 2-3 weeks or more,Paneristi forum is linked very closely to Panerai and even they are accepting this as not a scam,I doubt Panerai will ever talk about this openly but I think they would have got the message out by now if this was a con.

[Chaos]

Nicely posted, indeed. You've got talent .

Panerai has indeed stated that 318 movmt was OPXIX , opposed to what was printed on catalogue os SE.

Also, they have stated that the 318 holds an unique movmt, not seen on other PAM's.

Is there anything else to say?

People defending the brand at P.com are saying "it's just decoration"issue -- quite the contrary, decoration is a minor part on finishing these ETA movmt -- quality o jewels, finishing of wheels and bridges, bevelling, balance wheel and main spring materials , just saying the basics, are totally different from this basic ETA to the OP's .

It's not about decoration but a huge problem of quality underneath a nice case. It would be accepatable for one Steinhart, Dievas, Invicta....although I've seen them using better finished movmts already!

best

[cody p]

I think it was intentional. An example of panerai literally selling their customers the Brooklyn bridge. Big time collectible.

[htc8p]

i think the general consensus or should i say the reasonable consensus is that Officine Panerai has gotten too greedy and over confident.

i still love my pam112 but i would certainly think 5x over before getting another one especially those limited edition ones.

[garGARgar]

Originally Posted by htc8p

i still love my pam112 but i would certainly think 5x over before getting another one especially those limited edition ones.

I haven't contributed to any of the 318 threads but I'd have to agree here.

[HarryGoodman]

Originally Posted by cody p

I think it was intentional. An example of panerai literally selling their customers the Brooklyn bridge. Big time collectible.

And it took the buyers 3 years after it was released to notice, I hope the original buyers got the deed to it as well.

[Gregcar]

Check out paneristi panerai appears to be offering purchasers the option to swap the movement out

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Gregcar

Check out paneristi panerai appears to be offering purchasers the option to swap the movement out

yup, appears to be the case (if you pay transport and insurance).

well, there appears to be a happy end to this story, after all. and, i think we can trust this won't be happening again.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by htc8p

i think the general consensus or should i say the reasonable consensus is that Officine Panerai has gotten too greedy and over confident.

i still love my pam112 but i would certainly think 5x over before getting another one especially those limited edition ones.

IMO this will cost Panerai.

[HarryGoodman]

Originally Posted by Gregcar

Check out paneristi panerai appears to be offering purchasers the option to swap the movement out

Here is the link for the offer.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/35339...of+Sig.+Bonati......

[Gregcar]

What do you guys think? I am glad to seethe step up. I do not fault them for not responding immediately as they had every right to size up the situation, assess it, determine if the claims were valid, and if so propose a resolution. I would expect that any person or corporate entity would expect to have that same benefit if a claim were made against them or it. Unfortunately, many people who can't live outside of the bubble of the internet and can't function outside of instant gratification mindset, and cannot understand the concept of patience and giving people an opportunity to investigate, analyze and respond. I think that this is a good result. For those who did not think the response was fast enough for their liking, and the majority don't even own the 318, if any claim or allegation is ever made against you, I hope that your "jury" gives you an opportunity to assess, analyze and respond. If you think about it, you will realize that panerai did not even have a model to look at and I'm sure were not presented with a model or models for inspection, but, instead was asked to respond to a couple of pictures and allegations. After a reasonable amount of time they are addressing the issue. Good for them, but, better for the owners of the 318.

[rulessapt]

For a corporate response I respectfully suggest that Richemont and Officine Panerai have acted swiftly and deciisively in a manner considered positive.

For those who lost faith, maybe it will not be restored, for those who doubted a response, then a result is at hand and for those posessed with blind faith, carry on, there's nothing to see here :-)

Cheers
Richard

[ExpII]

This is a positive move by OP and should be viewed as such. If only Rolex listened to its customers so closely.

[snog]

I'm pleased for those that own a 318,as I bet some were feeling pretty let down,I only wish Panerai could have gone slightly further and allowed the movements to be swapped at any AD,also cover all costs,I would also like to hear their reasons why they used the base ETA in the first place

[Launch Mini]

Doesn't say what movement they will be putting in there, to replace the original.

[PierreB]

Hi,

I am a 318 owner. I was on the phone with OP an hour ago and they told me that there were going to put the OPII (the movement that was advertised in the "Limited edition" brochure).

I am also new to this forum, so hi to everybody...

[jdH]

Panerai got off the hook easily. They didn't even explain why the hocus pocus movement was installed not the OPII. Good thing they didn't get a lawsuit. For sure they have a QA department before distributing it to the market.

[xjeeunitx]

Originally Posted by jdH

Panerai got off the hook easily. They didn't even explain why the hocus pocus movement was installed not the OPII. Good thing they didn't get a lawsuit. For sure they have a QA department before distributing it to the market.

To be honest, these owners should be glad OP is even willing to make this happen. They didn't have to do a damn thing.

[Nicko16]

Originally Posted by xjeeunitx

To be honest, these owners should be glad OP is even willing to make this happen. They didn't have to do a damn thing.

Actually thats not true at all. They provided false information printed in the Limited Edition 1997-2010 Catalog and were prepared not to do anything until a curious owner decided to pop the caseback off and discovered the movement.

With all the major forums having posts on the situation, it has become quite a shock to most and if Panerai had done nothing it would have ruined their reputation in a way.

How come for previous solid case back they bothered to place a decent decorated and better quality movements. Its lucky its only a 150 pieces and I feel bad for those who now have to spend the time getting their movements replaced.

[HarryGoodman]

Originally Posted by Nicko16

Actually thats not true at all. They provided false information printed in the Limited Edition 1997-2010 Catalog and were prepared not to do anything until a curious owner decided to pop the caseback off and discovered the movement.

With all the major forums having posts on the situation, it has become quite a shock to most and if Panerai had done nothing it would have ruined their reputation in a way.

How come for previous solid case back they bothered to place a decent decorated and better quality movements. Its lucky its only a 150 pieces and I feel bad for those who now have to spend the time getting their movements replaced.

Not only that Nick but if a class action lawsuit had ensued, Richemont's name would have been mud, now it is only murky.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by PierreB

Hi,

I am a 318 owner. I was on the phone with OP an hour ago and they told me that there were going to put the OPII (the movement that was advertised in the "Limited edition" brochure).

I am also new to this forum, so hi to everybody...

Good news, I'm glad they decided to address this in some fashion.

[rolex&panerai]

an amazing story this 318!

[RXPete]

Looks like at least 1 318 owner isn't happy with the movement. There's a for sale listing on breitlingsource.com. I wonder if it has the replaced movement. Lol