Dodged Bullet, or Fumbled Bag? You decide.
Got the opportunity to try on this gorgeous 2008 Panerai Radiomir Black Seal Ceramic “Torpedo” at a secondhand watch shop in my area. They had mistakenly price tagged the watch at AUD$4950 ($US3170 or thereabouts), almost 20% less than what was listed online.
For reference, my wrist is about 6.25in. I know that Panerai is 45mm, but who cares? It looks amazing.
I asked if they would honour the price if I put down a deposit, and they had to check in with their consignment agent:
I felt like I really dodged what could potentially be one of the worst impulse purchases ever - at least at the time. On the way home now, and I’m not so sure. I now feel like I missed out on the opportunity to get an amazing watch in great condition for relatively cheap.
I was wondering what you guys think about this - did I dodge a bad impulse purchase, or did I fumble an excellent deal?
I had a nagging feeling that if I purchased it, I would end up hating it eventually.
Have you ever had that feeling, and if so what did you do? Did you trust your head and held back, or did you trust your heart and went for it? What happened as a result?
I am not Gerald Genta. I like to draw watch ideas. They usually suck. #defsnotgenta for more.
Never make an impulse purchase. These can be had for about $3,300 USD.
At least an impulse watch purchase doesn’t alter the trajectory of your life. Personally buying a used Panerai is usually a good decision because most are really well treated by the original owners. You might question why this watch was put up for sale on consignment, owner must have made an impulse purchase himself. The Pam owners I know never give up on their precious watches.
Never make an impulse purchase. These can be had for about $3,300 USD.
You are correct - I found them on Chrono for around that price. Good looking out.
I have been making it a habit of avoiding an impulse buy. I'm sure it's a great watch but just because it's great doesn't mean it's for you. I suppose that's why I've been focusing more on finding watches that represent me as an individual as opposed to watches that are just good.
You dodged a bullet. For sure an awesome watch, but an impulse buy of that magnitude can be a mistake. I walked away from a Tudor earlier this year under similar circumstances… turned out to be the right decision. When one door closes, another opens!