Panerai Service experience

[Baco Noir]

We've all read about some of the horror stories for service centers, right? Heck, I've even written one myself for Blancpain. Well, here's one that went right...

Decided to send in the PAM00422 to the Dallas Service Center before selling - the timekeeping was inconsistent and there were a few minor scratches. I usually don't worry about scratches for my personal watches, but buyers can be OCD or what I see as a "hairline" scratch, some less than honest buyers will claim it's a gouge to try to get a discount after they receive the watch.

May 20 – inquired online about service costs.

May 21 – Email says full service starts at $510


Took some time to decide if I was really serious about selling it and what the selling prices were.

June 13 – sent message asking for instructions on how to send it in for service.

June 13 – received mailing instructions, packaged watch and took it to FedEx

June 14 – watch delivered to Ft Worth Service Center. Mailing instructions said 5-7 business days for an estimate to be emailed.

June 23 – letter received with service estimate. $580 service, $100 for optional polish, and $25 return shipping. 4 weeks estimated service timeframe.

June 24 – signed estimate / authorization form and e-mailed it back to OP. Had a few minor hairlines around the lugs and on the bezel so since I was probably going to sell it, I decided to go for that option.

July 12 – received e-mail saying service was complete, providing tracking number and that the watch will arrive 7/13 (3 weeks for service)

July 13 – arrived via FedEx 2-day; came packaged in a sealed plastic bag with a foam insert in the strap, with a Panerai travel case included separately. Polish looks perfect – no case scratches like I’ve read in the horror stories online. Gave it a full wind and will time it for several days before I put it up for sale.