Panerai movement scandal...

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!

WOW !! Its hard to believe that a company like panerai would do something like this. If i were a customer i would exspect a full refund and i would never do biz with them again!!! that is the cheapest movement you could put in it, Well atleast it wasnt stamped CHINA.

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

That is really something Mark. Can imagine how shocked people must have been when
they found out about this. The movements not only don't seem to be decorated like the very
first one is, but then they kind of look scratched up, and rough around the edges also. ..It is
definitely surprising that's for sure. Plus it actually makes you think about other elite companies
too, and if maybe they aren't always giving you that movement you are expecting inside the
case either.

Really GREAT info Mark ! Thank you very much for letting us know about this.

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"

I can see your point with the movement pictures, particularly the plate finishing, but is'nt 5k for a Panerai an entry level model?

Wow- Can't say I have ever seen a movement that was that "unfinished." The detailed movement is not really even that detailed and is finished to the exact level (at least to my eyes) of the movement in my Victorinox. The boys over at Swatch put a little more effort into the movement of my Railmaster. . .and it is not a $5K watch.