Panerai movement scandal...

[andrema]

There is a big controversy currently going on in the Paneristi world regarding the movements that were used in the PAM 318 Special Edition "Brooklyn Bridge" watches. Instead of having a decorated movements, like the OPII from the PAM 414 installed, subpar movements have been utilized in the PAM 318.

As you look at the pictures below and read the links, please keep in mind that the 318 is a $5,000 watch! These are two threads that go through the entire story, with all of the sorted details...

http://www.network54.com/Forum/353391/m ... ous+PAM318

http://www.network54.com/Forum/353391/t ... ners+Unite

Let's start with a couple of pics of this BEAUTIFUL watch!






Here you have some pics from the PAM 414 movement (OP II) and the PAM 318 movement (OP XXIX) The movement from the PAM 414 is presented first, with the corresponding picture of the PAM 318 movement right after...quite a difference and I can see why folks are up in arms about this!




















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IMO that is a complete disgrace and OP should offer all owners of the PAM 318 either - A full refund, A replacement movment and/or free inspection to satisfy any current owners angziety over this issue!

[mrneddles]

Panerai has fumbled. Will be interesting to see how they recover.

[andrema]

This is some of the literature on what was supposed to be included in the "Brooklyn Bridge" PAM 318...

[bigedsurf]

Not a very smart move by this iconic brand........

[bodypeersur]

Was Panerai bought out by Eyal Lalo? I can't believe they would do such a thing. That's a shame!

[porschefan]

Where's Stallone when you need him?

In a non-see-through caseback, is a decorated movement needed? The rough, unfinished edges, though, shoddy for sure. Maybe all of that money is for the etching of the Brooklyn Bridge.

[andrema]

UPDATE - Angelo Bonati, OP President, offered owners of the PAM 318 to replace the movements at his own, personal expense (minus shipping and handling). In addition, he added that the movements that were used are not inferior to what was supposed to be used...give me a break!!

Minus shipping and handling...are you kidding me? That is a slap in the face!

I have lost complete trust in Panerai and question whether I will ever buy one of their watches.



This is his actual response at PPF:http://www.network54.com/Forum/353391/message/1320922854/Official+update+on+the+318+from+the+desk+of+Sig.+Bonati......



"Anyone who choses to can have their movement switched out on the 318. This will be done free of charge via the LA and NY boutiques only, but will exclude transportation costs and insurances. Please note the movement currently supplied is not inferior nor implied as such. The change order is purely for those who wish to take advantage of this option and offer.

Please note. The words employed here are mine and typed in haste as I travel home. I just wanted to pass this offer on. So please no replies based on content or choice of words.

Paddy"

[aztecknight]

Loud conversations are gonna take place!

Boy are there a lot of Panerai Kool-aid drinkers, not too far from the Invicta crowd.

[bodypeersur]

Where's Stallone when you need him?

Busy kickin pre-pubescent ass at the gaming sites I heard.

[bodypeersur]

In a non-see-through caseback, is a decorated movement needed? The rough, unfinished edges, though, shoddy for sure. Maybe all of that money is for the etching of the Brooklyn Bridge.

True Tim, a fancy milling of the movement probably isn't necessary but I believe a smoothe finish is in a $5000 watch. It seems to have always been a Panerai standard as well. How can the company claim "excellence" if they are that unconcerned with the finish of the movement? They're probably as equally unconcerned regarding the quality of the movement. How can they say the movement is not inferior when such shoddy workmanship was put into the finish?

[andrema]

In a non-see-through caseback, is a decorated movement needed? The rough, unfinished edges, though, shoddy for sure. Maybe all of that money is for the etching of the Brooklyn Bridge.

True Tim, a fancy milling of the movement probably isn't necessary but I believe a smoothe finish is in a $5000 watch. It seems to have always been a Panerai standard as well. How can the company claim "excellence" if they are that unconcerned with the finish of the movement? They're probably as equally unconcerned regarding the quality of the movement. How can they say the movement is not inferior when such shoddy workmanship was put into the finish?

Good points Duff! Especially the example that was shown to be scratched and dinged up!

[bodypeersur]

I also notice that they haven't even branded the movement. Hmm, doesn't seem as though they're very proud of it.

[porschefan]

In a non-see-through caseback, is a decorated movement needed? The rough, unfinished edges, though, shoddy for sure. Maybe all of that money is for the etching of the Brooklyn Bridge.

True Tim, a fancy milling of the movement probably isn't necessary but I believe a smoothe finish is in a $5000 watch. It seems to have always been a Panerai standard as well. How can the company claim "excellence" if they are that unconcerned with the finish of the movement? They're probably as equally unconcerned regarding the quality of the movement. How can they say the movement is not inferior when such shoddy workmanship was put into the finish?

Yeah, that is my point.

[bodypeersur]

I am assuming they figure no one will remove the caseback of the 318 so why bother with all the fancy "Swiss Artisanship"? I mean come on, it's only a $5000 watch! And not for nuttin....it still looks like some of the Invicta movements that have been brought to the forefront....Just sayin.

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