Pam 104e

[MYK]

I recently aquired a 104 E serial from a fellow TRFer and I'm very happy with the purchase.

Compared to my previous Panerais, a 000, 005, 111 and a boutique edition 347, i was really looking forward to getting this because of it being an auto. I'm also impressed with the deployement crocodile strap and the date function is really nice.




The only concern I have with it is the hands, they are quite beaten up (scratched), I'm the third owner so I doubt the seller knows how it got this way. It is an 11 year old watch but I've seen older without scratches, can anyone explain how they could get damaged when they are under the saphire glass?

[Cru Jones]

Nice 104! Congrats! Don't know about the hands, but, if it hasn't been serviced in its 11 years, might as well let OP take care of it and have it back like new.

[travisb]

Congrats!

[MYK]

Thanks guys. It was last serviced 4 years ago, I think I'll give it a couple of more years before I service it. I don't mind the hands, I just wanted an explanation. :)

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by MYK

The only concern I have with it is the hands, they are quite beaten up (scratched)...

I can't be 100% certain because the photos aren't 100% sharp but could it be that the hands are corroded and not scratched... ?

I have a very nice watch that I bought brand new from the AD, never had it in or around water (much less under water) but despite that, one of the hands started to show signs of corrosion. The movement (seen through the crystal caseback) was spotless. My watch maker simply told me that the seals eventually degrade and normal moisture in the air can be enough... .

If they are really scratched... then they left OP in that state (many have complained about the poor-finish of the hands lately...) or the watch was serviced by a less-than-meticulous watch maker who damaged the hands in the process of the service.

My money's on corrosion. Buy a loupe (you can get a simple one from any good watch maker for around $20~$30). and then you will know for sure...

[MYK]

Thanks, I'll take a look and see. :)

[Glenn422]

Looks like a patina on the hands to me??

[Cru Jones]

Re: corrosion, can just the hands be rusted but not the movement? Maybe too late at this point, purchase-wide, but might be worth checking out.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

corrosion, can just the hands be rusted but not the movement?

"...you talkin' to me?"



FYI, I've had the watch serviced since, hands replaced, seals replaced and all bearings lubricated. The photo above was taken before the service...

[MYK]

This isn't the first time i buy online and this isn't my first auto, i think im being a little paranoid but is this normal or am i in desperate need of a service?

http://youtu.be/0sgYGqw07Cs


i have never owned an auto that winds so much with so little effort. this will be my last post about the 104 i swear. :(

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by MYK

...is this normal or am i in desperate need of a service? ... i have never owned an auto that winds so much with so little effort...

The rotor-bearings on the watch I posted photos of above are pretty noisy and in comparison, my 7750 valjoux equipped Mühle S.A.R. is almost dead-silent. I think it's the grease used maybe, but don't quote me, I'm certainly no expert in this area. I've seen a few complaints about automatic PAMs being loud - and I'm talking about in-house P.9000 based PAMs too...

If you don't notice it (when you're not violently swinging your wrist...) then I wouldn't worry about it. I'd be more concerned about the hands... as Monsieur Jones noted, corroded hands indicates bad seals and although it may not have affected the movement, it would be prudent to have it serviced. The 104 has a 7750 - which means any competent watchmaker can service it. He/she may also be able to order the hands for it (not sure, but it doesn't hurt to check). I hope that the seller was good enough to mention the condition of the hands; based on your photos, it is obvious to the naked eye.

[MYK]

Thank you sir very much, you have been very helpful.

[Psmith]

Congrats

Perhaps an 'early service' is the way to go?

[financeman]

Great looking watch. Congrats in getting it

[MYK]

Thank you all. I gave up and took it to the AD for a full service, new hands and a new rubber strap.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by MYK

Thank you all. I gave up and took it to the AD for a full service, new hands and a new rubber strap.

I think that's 100% the right call. In a little bit of time it's going to come back like new.