So I totally wanted a Panerai watch, right? But man, brand new ones cost a fortune. Figured I’d hunt for a good used one. Here’s how it shook out.
The Wild Hunt Begins
Started online, clicking everywhere. Big mistake. Got flooded with pics that looked way better in photos than real life ever could. Saw one “amazing deal,” saved it, showed a buddy later – he laughed his head off. “That watch got polished to death,” he says. Yeah, totally missed that shiny warning.
Got hyped about another Radiomir in some forum ad. Chatted the seller up, asked about papers. “Papers? It runs great, bro!” he replied. Uh huh. Dodged that bullet.
Actually Talking To Humans
Ditched the screens, hit up a couple local watch dealers. The first place – guy talked at me like a textbook. Said stuff I barely understood. Left feeling dumb. Next spot, different vibe. This guy actually listened to my budget. He pulls out a Luminor Base, kinda used, but honest.
- Showed me the caseback engraving numbers real close
- Pointed out normal marks on the case edges
- Had the original strap and box (beat up box, but real)
Still didn’t pull the trigger.
The “Expert” Tip I Actually Used
Remembered some YouTube bloke going on about water damage checking. Didn’t think much of it. Then I saw a Submersible locally. Looked sweet! Took out a loupe (yeah, bought a cheap one online!) and stared hard at the dial under bright light. Tiny spots? Maybe? Took it to a trusted watch guy. He unscrewed the crown, peeked inside – foggy residue! Past water trespasser. Deal dead.
Ending Up With My Panerai
Circled back to the decent Luminor Base that dealer had. Negotiated hard, felt kinda bad. We shook hands at a price way under what I thought I’d ever pay for a Panerai.
Got it verified. It’s clean. It’s mine. Feels like winning after all that crawling around.
Takeaway? Don’t trust pretty pixels. Drag yourself out there. Touch the steel. Bring a friend who knows more than you do. And always, always assume some local pawnshop clown polished the soul out of it until you see proof otherwise.
