BigCrown

That dial turned out great! Love those mario Paci straps too.

I have been more than happy with my latest project: -OEM case -Swiss 6497 serviced -FGD Dial -DSN hands I have been really impressed with the FGD Logo dials (HUGE THANKS TO SMILEY AND DANI FOR THE DIALS). I really like the thick numbers...a little thicker than the genuine...but it is perfect for me. The delicate printing blows away the DSN version. The base material has a wonderful finish that shines with an iridescence -- almost like an anthracite dial. I am not sure if this one was an experimental version or not, but it is truly unique. The OEM case is from a C series Panerai watch. The crystal is different than any i have seen because it has a very light Yellow AR (single). All I need now is some direction for someone who can fill the indeces with the Tritium I have been saving for this project.... The Zigmeister, if you are reading this, I would love to hire you for your services to finish this piece. Please let me know if you have someone you can refer me to if The Zigmeister it booked. Thank you in advance!

Answer: Thanks! **** As a fan of resale, I would go for the handwind. Above one of our members state that the handwind models are more of a pure watch (in terms of the origin of Panerai). This is certainly true, and to add to the argument I believe the reslae to be far better on a handwind model. The core of Panerai is simplicity and function.....if you are looking for a watch with complications and something to play with, this is the wrong brand for you. BUT it all comes down to what you enjoy and like. ...not to restate what another member has already said, but I correlate Panerai with the dial spacing and the automatics do not follow the same rules and look awkward (to me). Another note: buy it right! meaning -- buy it at fair market value. Research the watches that start at $1 on eBay and monitor their hammer prices. That is your target. Then you know what you can dump it for in the future when your tastes change!

I have tried just about all of them. I would go for a top quality PAM 111 with Swiss movement (hand wind only --- I would stay away from the replicated automatics at first). I would expect to spend around $350 for the watch with rep strap. I would enjoy it in the strap in comes with...and then later buy an OEM strap and still use the rep buckle. My 2 cents!

http://www.replica-time.com/pam027-power-r...8922-p-352.html ...we all know this watch is rare and has not been carried for a long time... any clues?

Dani, amazing watch. I assumed you relumed your hobnail dial with orange luminous? I have been looking for one of these discontinued reps with the ETA... I posted an inquiry last week with no response. Do you know if these models are available anywhere? -BC

Wow. Beano, who makes the Rep Case with a removable bezel?!? ...I am more behind the times...

Yep. You mirrored the results of my research! I will post scans shortly! -B

Wow, that is looking right! Outstanding. Does any rep provider still carry that model (with the ETA)?

...Thanks guys, I see that he does not accept PM's through the forum...

Cool Beano, let me know if you need a Gen G Series movement!

I do not think it is a Franken....The watch is a complete set 1 owner prior to me (well know Paneristi). Also, it would be senseless to put a higher caliber/quality movement in the watch. Yes, Panerai has not manufactured these movement in a while, but they still carry a lot if stock. RE: you can still get NOS tritium hands, etc. GREAT idea on the 127 swap...however, this movement would need to have the sub-second parts installed wich is more than i can do with my own hands...but something to consider.

I'm with you Bruce. I haven't really piped up about this subject, because i am by no means an expert. But when I cracked the back off this thing, I was sure at the time that it had never been opened. Also, I really don't think that OP builds these non-COSC models like it is an exact science. When you buy a base model, the movement numbers are missing from the stickers and boxes. This whole 'can of worms' I opened by showing that movement has amazed me. I listed the watch on TZ showing the anomaly and buyers have become wary -- which is silly (IMHO). I would consider this a bonus. my 2 cents...

KA-POW! It is not often to see such attention to detail. I can't decide which I like better, the vintage or the PVD Pre-V... What movement is in the vintage MM?

Gosh, when I started collecting Panerai watches, they made a KILLER replica with genuine modified ETA for the power reserve. THEY even used stainless movements and engraved the rotars. Besides the mis-spelled "Officine Panerai", they were really awesome. I really like to get my hands on one. ANY LEADS?!?

Yeah, I am a real fan of the logo models... I was shocked that a PAM 005 went for less than $3200 on eBay the other night. This downed economy is awesome for watch collecting. Can';t wait to see that 1950 cased chrono I bought from you last week. Best regards, B

Thanks Denise!

Yep...got it today. Pretty happy with it.

Yeah, yeah, but nice DeLorian strap... Oooh..it is pretty new....2007 (I series) SHARP Case angles...not easy to replicate!!!! Here we go...a REAL heavy caseback...very thick SWISS MADE?!? I thought these were Italian watches?? ****IMPORTANT: NO REP HAS CRYSTAL THIS THICK (IMHO****) Here's the shocker: the DSN Pre-V casebacks fit nice and tight!!! Super Luminov from DSN is also very, very avccurate...maybe even TOO BRIGHT! Is this possible? Delicious movement for one that never sees the light of day! On last look FIN!

I would think that DSN has the best dials...but heard his cases are little off.... Any wisdom from the forum?

PM me if you gbave thought or suggetsions regarding a Cortebert winding stem. Thanks in advance!

They are about $230 each (pricey for wholesale, but an excellent price when yo usee the product...keep in mind these are made and assembled in Hong Kong hwere materials and labor are more expensive than China). I have 2 guys in China that will go to the factory or the watch market and get as many as we need. If we want to start a signup list and get enough participation, we can get them real cheap.

Beautiful watch! I think the other members have good insight as far as tracking down the model/reference number. As far as price, I can add that 'dealer price' on similar vintage PP with no sub-second hand is around $5K. So retail would be more (obviously). Subsecond models command slightly more and of course the numbers get heavier with their complications. Congratulations on the spectacular heirloom!

I am a huge fan of the Pro-Hunter line, but with the sinking dollar, they do not make financial sense. Please count me in for one! I also urge you to consider the Double Red Sea Dweller pro hunter because it will most likely be thought of as the most collectible. Also, the 1:1 HK SeaDwellers are --- SUPER!!!! (they nailed the case and bezel for once)

THEY DO REP THE VINTAGE 50 Fathoms - Pretty Well too...with an original Blancpain automatic movement. -the only issue i found was the crown was non-screw down -some experts scoffed at the caseback engravings though -I see them at every NAWCC show (being presented as real ) They cost around $600 if memory serves...had one for about a year. I'll see if I can dig up some old scans.