In my opinion, the "Cartel" dealers (and others too..) have adopted this difficult, time consuming procedure to DISCOURAGE returns......If it was easy, and quick, fewer folks would choose the "get it fixed locally" option...As a result, I personally have chosen to very infrequently use their services...
But...that's just MY opinion!! :g:
I like the knowledge level of all things Panerai on "Wristcheck", and the sales board at "Repgeeks" is quite active....I like all the rep sites and visit them all frequently, and have done so for a long time!!
Each site has its own "flavor", and to me, variety is the spice of life..!!! :inverted:
Breit SOSF's have had random numbers for 4 or 5 years now...
I suspect that literally MOUNTAINS of PO cases were built @ 5 years ago and stockpiled...Shoot...you can STILL get a 45.5 mm case with 20mm lug width TODAY!!!
Silix sells them for $29.00!!
A quartz model is indeed cheaper, and inherently more accurate, but a quartz movement is not something most watch geeks find acceptable...if it's OK with you, by all means go that way!!
The most important person in any watch choice is the guy wearing it !!!
It could be a lot worse !!
He could be spending his $$'s on drugs, loose women, or gambling!!
At least with watches, he'll always be able to recoup a sizable percentage of his "investment"...
At least that what I've told my wife for the past 20 years !!!! :pimp:
Whoa!!!....MY name is listed there too!!!....Oddly enough, it was posted on March 25, 2006....THE SAME DAY I JOINED THIS FORUM!!!!....Go figure!!.....
Whoops....There i am AGAIN on April 2.....I guess I was hooked!!!
One might question whether your butt DESERVES to be saved at all!!.....If you get your rocks off calling folks out on their watches, you're most likely a "force fit" into OUR community!!
I support pretty much everything that "Pho" says, having had basically the same experiences as him over the past decade.......
"those who don't learn from mistakes are destined to repeat them"
If you prefer Panny's, try the Ti models like the 177, or the 036...I love my 036....It almost feels like I'm not wearing anything(compared to my 8+oz Plprof!!)