To service or not to service?

Guys i scored the big one, my grail watch!

I bought this absolute unit used from japan but its actually surely not used at all. There isn't a single sign of wear, not on the case, not even micro swirls and even not on the rubber strap it came on. Its literally brand new.

The box it came in even had the protective plastic layer on the metal plates! From the serial number i can deduce that it's from 2008, thats right s whopping 15 years, i guess it spent this time in someones watchbox or the dealers window. It runs at an incredible +/- 3secs and so im wondering should i bring it to service? I mean of course i should after 15 years but i kinda dont wanna let it go for 8 weeks now :P

What do you think?

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If it's running that nicely, I'd let it go for a while. Wear it for a few months too see if it has any problems. It's always best to not open the watch unless there's a problem with its.

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Georgmcl

If it's running that nicely, I'd let it go for a while. Wear it for a few months too see if it has any problems. It's always best to not open the watch unless there's a problem with its.

I thought the exact same thing, but im paranoid about the water resistance and oils that may have dried out?

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I'd usually recommend running it until it needs a service. I don't have much experience with luxury pieces, but I have one or two new old stock watches that run perfectly despite half-century-old lubricants.

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Carnby

I thought the exact same thing, but im paranoid about the water resistance and oils that may have dried out?

Understand that. But if it's running that nicely, the lube oils should be fine.

If it's worth the money to service, do it to ease your mind. O

I doubt that servicing by a QUALIFIED watch maker will hurt.

What is its rated for WR?

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I'd just have it serviced and enjoy piece of mind of having a perfectly good watch for a decade or so. I guess you're stuck with factory service for Panerai?

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Depends on how bothered you are by that level of accuracy on your watch. To me, it’s not worth it.

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You live in Bern? there are many watch repair shops here.

Maybe try calling shops like Motion watch in Grenchen if they could have it serviced, the owner is really nice.

Motion Watch Uhrenreparaturen

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I’m about not servicing/fixing unless required … but that’s just me. Beautiful watch and congrats 🤙❤️

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Adi365

You live in Bern? there are many watch repair shops here.

Maybe try calling shops like Motion watch in Grenchen if they could have it serviced, the owner is really nice.

Motion Watch Uhrenreparaturen

Yes i do, but i thought giving to panerai directly would be a safer bet, i usually dont give watches that are this expensive to independent smaller businesses. Im also very paranoid in this regard 🙂

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AlohaBrah21

I’m about not servicing/fixing unless required … but that’s just me. Beautiful watch and congrats 🤙❤️

Thank you 🙏😊

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I asked panerai directly and they told me its 600$ 😬

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PoorMansRolex

I'd just have it serviced and enjoy piece of mind of having a perfectly good watch for a decade or so. I guess you're stuck with factory service for Panerai?

Yes i aready called them and they told me its 600$ for the overhaul. But then id be safe. Its the time away that's bothering me 😂

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Just the other week I bought a watch from 2007, NOS like yours seems to be (amd also from Japan), and brought it in to have it looked at. The watchmaker said he doesn't see a point in servicing it but he will adjust the rate a little (it was +8 seconds), so I didn't do a service and I'll just go and pick it up once they are done. If it's a good service centre they will tell you and not charge a lot unless a lot needs doing, or nothing at all. On top it gives you peace of mind that all is good with the watch internals.

Anyway. That's what I'd do. Bring it in and see what the good people at the service department say. At the very least I'd have it pressure tested. I'd be bummed out maximally if it leaks because I cheaped-out on that!

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I would want to have it opened to verify authenticity.

Panerai is notorious for having Replicas everywhere.

The fact that it’s brand new worries me.

Hopefully all is authentic because it’s a beautiful timepiece.

Congratulations.

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Carnby

Yes i aready called them and they told me its 600$ for the overhaul. But then id be safe. Its the time away that's bothering me 😂

Did they give you a time estimate? This is a lifetime+ watch so you are going to have these every so often. Sweet watch BTW.

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SonnyB77

What a SCORE! Congratulations indeed. Also, it seems that servicing is more about your peace of mind than actual functional issues. I would enjoy it as is for a year then make the call. Enjoy!

Thanks, i am incredibly happy believe me! Yes im really inbetween right now, if servicing would take 2 weeks max id do it but i know it will be 8 weeks and i kinda cant postpone that honeymoon now :P

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Darkoverlord

I read a lot of the input here but not every response.

First off congrats, hoping for a Panerai myself, beautiful watch sir!

The real question isn’t about the watch, it’s about the owner. What will bring you more happiness. You have said multiple times that you’re paranoid about the watch. But you’ll miss it. Which voice speaks more loudly to you?

here’s my suggestion: you don’t want to miss it for eight weeks? Wear it a while until you’ve grown accustom to it and then send it out. Treat it kindly, don’t go swimming, wear it as normal. When you’re accustomed to it, send it out. When you get it back you’ll be almost as excited as you are now.

Btw I wouldn’t service it if it were my watch. But what’s right for me may not be what’s right for you.

Thanks alot im absolutley stoked ive found it in this condotion and thanks for your input i might do just that. I will wear it and talk to some independent watchmakers what they think so that gives me time and if i finally send it after the service i will have a second honeymoon phase 🙂

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Haha thanks yes i am head over heels! Really even after 15 years you think just let it run?

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mphonic

I'd find a good local watchmaker that you trust, have them run a pressure test and check out the movement. This movement is pretty easily serviceable, and there's no scarcity of parts. There's no need for a factory refinish, so you can take this opportunity to establish a good relationship with a watchmaker who can service stuff like this at a reasonable cost.

If you're not confident finding a watchmaker, then you can send it to Panerai or just wait until it runs poorly. Just don't take it in the water before a pressure test.

Yes, this is the best policy imo too. Don’t service with Panerai till needed, but do take it to a trusted watchmaker for a pressure test.

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I would just get a decent watch repairer to take the back off it , replace the seal if needed and inspect if it is in fact in need of a service, as soon as the back is off it you will know . Congratulations on a nice buy on a good watch:)

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I would just get a decent watch repairer to take the back off it , replace the seal if needed and inspect if it is in fact in need of a service, as soon as the back is off it you will know . Congratulations on a nice buy on a good watch:)

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Tinfoiled14

I would just get a decent watch repairer to take the back off it , replace the seal if needed and inspect if it is in fact in need of a service, as soon as the back is off it you will know . Congratulations on a nice buy on a good watch:)

Thanks a lot 🙏

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Great score. As many others stated, I would not bother servicing unless it bothers you. If it is running as well as you said, to me it would not be worth it.

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really really sharp, I have been to Japan 5 times and they are meticulous, things are clean , and this is the coolest Panerai I have seen. It is worthy of James Bond

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Carnby

Yes about 8 weeks 😢

Yeah, that sucks but it would give me peace of mind.

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peapodesque

really really sharp, I have been to Japan 5 times and they are meticulous, things are clean , and this is the coolest Panerai I have seen. It is worthy of James Bond

Thanks so much! Its also my favourite no other model spoke to me that way 😁

Regarding japan, their care for everything is on another level. As far as I know they learn from a very young age that everything has a soul, even objects, thats one of the reason they take so much care for their things. I love japan and have also been visiting and cant wait to get back

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Sounds like it is running great. No need for service imho. Congrats on your purchase,

Now if were running slow or not moving for a little bit when the hack device was released....

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Leave it alone. I asked my VE dealer this same thing about by VE Kosmodrom which I’ve had for 11 years. It keeps amazing time and he said if it’s keeping great time then leave it alone.

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I’m way late to this but I will side with @PoorMansRolex and @Watchme1 and have this serviced ASAP. Though it may be running fine now, lubricants break down and dry up and over time and rubber/synthetic seals break down as well. Maybe to more harm than good waiting.

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valleykilmers

I’m way late to this but I will side with @PoorMansRolex and @Watchme1 and have this serviced ASAP. Though it may be running fine now, lubricants break down and dry up and over time and rubber/synthetic seals break down as well. Maybe to more harm than good waiting.

Better late than never 😄 Yes i now came to the same conclusion since im really afraid of this. I found a watchmaker and will have him look at it and service it if needed 🙂