Serial Numbers

[JMR12]

Hi all -- quick question about Panerai serial numbers.

My understanding is that an "M" serial number means the watch was produced in 2010 (the specific model at issue is a PAM298). If I am purchasing from an AD, and the watch is supposedly coming from the "factory," does that mean that it should, at least in theory, be a later model letter, like an "N" (2011), or perhaps an "O"?

And, is there anything negative to buying in 2012 what would be a 2010 model?

Thanks for your thoughts.

[TAKUYA]

http://www.paneraisource.com/article..._numbers.shtml

O is latest series 2012.

You can get M series 2010 if they give you a good discount and warranty.

[JMR12]

Thanks. The piece I am looking at is an M, and the chron. certificate says it was tested in 2009. Does this mean the watch is three years old? (It's being sold as brand new.) I was told it was coming from the "factor" -- do they really keep three year old watches around there?

[Backgammon]

To buy in 2013 makes no sense because the P-series starts in April or May.
M or N-series should be with discount

[JMR12]

I am now concerned that this Authorized Dealer is selling me a "new" watch that was actually made in 2009. Even if it was never worn, or never taken out of the box, this doesn't seem new to me. I assume if the chronometer certificate says it was tested in late 2009, this means it was made in 2009 -- right?

Thanks very much.

[JMR12]

I should add that the watch is discounted, but I was at all times discussing buying a new watch (and it was not discounted to the price of something that wasn't new). Am I missing something here?

[p_mcgee]

It could have been sitting in their case for awhile, or perhaps the case was stamped in 2010 but the rest of the assembly done later. It's still likely a new watch-- new meaning that you are the first owner. I would still be interested, but would try to negotiate them down or try to get them to throw in the 1st factory service for free.

It's not unusual to find certain lower demand Rolex models in the dealer case with 4 or 5 year old serial numbers. I assume PAM works the same.

[JMR12]

Thanks. That makes me feel a little better about this.

[dman]

Originally Posted by p_mcgee

It could have been sitting in their case for awhile, or perhaps the case was stamped in 2010 but the rest of the assembly done later. It's still likely a new watch-- new meaning that you are the first owner. I would still be interested, but would try to negotiate them down or try to get them to throw in the 1st factory service for free.

It's not unusual to find certain lower demand Rolex models in the dealer case with 4 or 5 year old serial numbers. I assume PAM works the same.

Truth.

Just means sitting in case. But so many PAMs ship out at end of the year or even next year. You will see SE's that are for only one year released 13-14 months later. It is a new watch I would guess and will have the warranty from the time you buy, not when it was made.