Noobie ,, how to avoid fakes , grey market

[WALKINGDEADX]

I will soon own a Panerai. ( in the research phase 🤩

I’d like go grey market , don’t mind a few scratches ect, won’t be afraid to use it

My question is , what to look for to help ensure I’m looking at the real deal? Box, papers hang tags seem obvious. Is there anything a seasoned pam owner would notice ?

Thanks in advance , I hope to someday be the one qualified to give such advice

😎

[chrissimons]

Hello, an often read advice is to buy the seller, IE search for a trusted/recommanded seller :)

[rootbeer7]

Above is always the best place to start. Once you’ve found a piece, ask for BB Number and case number from the back of the case and go onto Pamguard (google it) which is part of the Panerai website and you can check if the watch exists as it will confirm what you have is correct.

[WALKINGDEADX]

Thankyou for the responses

I will google pamguard 👍

What is a BB number ??

I’m a bare bones , no frills but over built , basic type of guy

Are there any base models to steer clear of ?


Thanks again guys

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum

With the high degree of fakes out there these days, I’d only buy from a trusted seller

[1William]

I have owned numerous Panerai's and like the design language of the watches and the strap options. I am no fan of the company and the difficulty, well documented, that they have with the marketing and pricing. With that said, I have focused on mostly older and classic models. My AD is an Authorized Dealer and I have benefited from some of the trades they have taken in and I also buy almost exclusively from DavidSW, a Trusted Seller here with an independent website and two brick and mortar stores. DavidSW has a very nice website and staff so check them out and get on the phone and ask all your questions. Remember that asking price and getting price are two different things so when you decide on what you want a respectful offer will bring the price down typically 2-7% on most Panerai models. At least that has been my experience. A picture of my collection. Good luck.

[John Ryan]

I have purchased several used Panerai from small dealers or individuals. You're likely at the highest risk of a fugazi in the used Panerai market, but there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. There are even reports of Panerai posting fakes to their own Instagram....

The serial number advice is spot on. If it registers with Panerai, you're likely OK. This isn't to say that a serial number can not be duplicated on fake, but one way to guard against this is to look for fakes out there and see what serial number they have.

Check out the particular model you're looking for and try to find fakes for sale, or documented online with pictures. This will help with your comparison.

Since you're new to this, best bet will be to go with a reputable seller. That way you can check out the serial number after purchase and if any issues you should be able to return, but likely not going to be needed.

[WALKINGDEADX]

“Check out the particular model you're looking for and try to find fakes for sale, or documented online with pictures. This will help with your comparison”

Funny you say this , earlier I was googling a particular mode and was looking at a site . I thought “ shitty pics or that’s a fake !”

Lol

Looked at the price $350 ?? 🤔 for the strap ? Nope the whole watch , description even said a Jap movement made to look like a p-3000 ( or which ever)

Not going to lie , made me a little nervous 😬