JBoy

I know all about Shadow watches - which are actually often NOT prototypes, but rather display watches or watches given to Panerai staff that are outside official production runs. Also - AFAIK - prototypes wouldn't have the BB number on them (not 100% on this one). Nevertheless - doesn't answer my question regarding whether or not anyone makes a caseback for this model that HAS a serial number on it.

The GEN caseback has a serial number which yours is missing. Does anyone do a correct caseback with serial number?

Can you elaborate? Are you saying that I should get dial, hands and movement from DSN and the case from someone else and put it together myself? Or are you saying that someone has already done this and I can now purchase the complete watch from them? And if so - I don't know who or what 'taiji' is. Thanks...

I've heard that Davidsen makes a decent 232 rep - but I've also heard horror stories about quality control. Is anyone selling a good 232 rep with the correct dial, hands, case and movement? Thanks, PF

Hi - just wondering if anyone in the UK can recommend a place that will repair a REP Panerai? All the watchmakers I've visited so far refuse to work on reps... Thanks in advance, Jimmy

First off - as the owner of a GEN 127 - let me say: HURRAAAHHHHH!!!! Ok - IF the 127 was actually selling for $20K - I would be very happy - even if I never plan to sell mine. But the $20K advertised price is just that - an ADVERTISED price. These watches are realistically selling in the $14K-$16K range at this time. That's still a lot of money for a watch that has less than $300 worth of materials in it - right? But that's the nature of luxury goods. They are NEVER worth the sum of their parts. Do you think if you buy a car that costs over $100,000 that the materials used in it are any better than a car costing $10,000? To a certain degree - YES. But not 10 times as much. You are paying for the NAME and that's about it. Still - $20,000 for a watch which there are less than 2,000 in the WORLD to me is a pretty good deal. And for anyone that thinks a rep is just as good as the real thing - all I can say is - a fake is a fake is a fake. Those that can afford it understand what it's all about. Those that don't - buy copies.

A small clarification : they are NOT sent to dealers as display models or to "test out". They are sold to customers. Usually through the Boutiques. The models that are sent to dealers for display, or as prototypes or given to execs, etc - are known as shadow models - and they have no serial numbers at all. The OOR models are simply additional production runs of a specific model and usually in VERY small numbers (seems to be 11 for a few recent models).

OEM has the word PANERAI engraved to one side (to the right of the middle).

There's really only one buckle that goes with the PAM 127. It's the one that comes with all the GENs and REPs. Looks like a big bottle opener.

The buckle would be the OEM buckle. As for the strap - it seems it really was the OEM Cashmere and not the Bordeaux as so many think. However - if you just want the "look" - go for the Bordeaux and not the Cashmere. No worries - I saw the first reply before you edited it. I sorta went the other way myself - starting North America and ending up in the UK with several stops in between. Cheers!

Christ - I would hope so! Which part of the UK are you from?

Wow - you have awfully long fingernails for a dude!

I always "toss aside" my OEM straps and don't wear them because I want to keep them new and unused for when I sell the watch in the future. A new strap always helps keep the price up. OEM straps are actually great quality and very comfortable (although usually way too short for me). It's a Greg's Crazy Horse. I love it! Just washed it for the first time and it went a shade lighter...

Persoanlly - my OEM cashmere strap is still in the box - along with the OEM Burgundy - both never to be worn. I prefer a Greg's strap - thicker and almost the same color as the cashmere.

I have it good authority that the strap on the 127 in Elizabethtown is actually a very WORN IN OEM cashmere. Not the burgundy. I know it LOOKS like the burgundy. But it's not! Check the post on Paneristi for reference. (I know both Aurelio and PB).

Is this a real PAM 27? Date font looks like a rep but the serial numbers (not shown in this pic obviously) match up with a real one. Thnx Thnx

Looking to purchase a Bell and Ross rep. Just the basic 46mm model. BR01-92 I think? Been reading all these threads regarding real swiss or not, fake back screws, etc... Can anyone recommend the best place to buy a good copy of one of these? Mostly just want to try it out before purchasing the real thing - but would still like the best looking (or closest) copy to make my judgement. Replies here or via email or PM if you can't say publicly, etc. Thanks, Col

Just wondering if anyone knows if you can buy replica Special Edition boxes for Panerai? The bog ones with the key and lock, etc. Thanks, Col

It's key wound in the back - so would require a fair bit of work to convert it to a stem wound version for a watch - but would be good for spare parts if you have another movement. (I think)

Oops. Double post. A good effort though.

I'll second that. Improvement - yes. But nowhere near the real thing. I'll stick with my non-date PAMs.

I have a 202 rep - and it really is a great watch. But... I'm having problems with the bezel. It comes off too easily. I originally popped it off to fix one of the markers. But now it has come off a few times. And am wondering if anyone knows how to fix it on so it doesn't come off as easily? Any advice appreciated... Thanks, JB

BUMP. Any update on this project? Still in the works? Anyone?

Me too. Without a doubt.