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dicedealer7 · 6 June 2016, 08:28 AM

Hey everyone!
Has anyone been to the Florence Italy boutique?
Ill be there in 3 weeks and wanted to see if anyone had anything to say about it...
Ill hopefully be picking up my first Panerai (PAM000) and a few straps. So I was wondering what to maybe expect going straight to the PAM motherland instead of an AD or US boutique.
Think they would offer any discount to get the ''tourist'' to buy a watch?
Or perhaps a multi watch deal? (if the price is right a friend of mine might have me pick up one for him also)
thanks everyone.

joroz001 · 6 June 2016, 09:50 AM

I was there last year. Unfortunately I had not yet really developed a taste for Panerai at the time... It is very nice spite and the service is outstanding, very knowledgeable staff.

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ap1 · 6 June 2016, 12:09 PM

There are several large men in there keeping an eye on you. But the sales staff seemed nice enough. Can't remember all the details but with the vat / strong usd the price was decent. I wound up with my normal AD and bested the price, But w/o the nice Florence story to tell

pakal · 6 June 2016, 02:22 PM

I was planning to buy my first PAM at the Firenze Boutique as well. I contacted them by email and they were fast and nice in replying back. They also suggested to contact them ahead of time my arrival so they can make sure to have any particular reference I'd like to see/try. You can apply for a 15% sales tax refund when travelling back to your country. Not sure if the Firenze Boutique is an exception but don't expect any discount. Depending on the model or the amount of your purchase you may be comped one or two straps or accessories.

sechsgang · 6 June 2016, 11:39 PM

I thought it was really cool (especially because it was just redesigned last year and is pretty big). They definitely carry a decent amount of inventory and the salespeople are really nice. let me also suggest that you take a trip to Stefano Bemer while you're there. They are a AMAZING cobbler (if you're a shoe guy youll want a couple pair...guarantee)...but ask the people working about straps for Panerai's (or Audemars, PP, Rolex etc etc) and say a friend of Tommaso's sent you. They can make you anything, out of any leather and they are AWESOME people...that would really make it special.

Pattyb69 · 7 June 2016, 12:09 AM

I went to their boutique 2 weeks after they refinished the interior. Its a gorgeous store and the staff is incredibly friendly. You'll save 15-18% back from the VAT refund because you don't have to pay their taxes if you live in the US. You won't get anymore discount on top of that though

tjjma · 7 June 2016, 12:56 PM

I been to several Panerai boutique stores and not a single one offer any discount. I'm pretty sure Florence will be the same. However, consider the VAT back (~15%) to be the discount. The good thing about buying in Europe is you can ask the boutique dealer to order a brand new one in box from their factory in Switzerland to the shop in a couple or few days. Generally the boutique shop only carry one model of a watch or couple if it's a popular model, but most likely each watch has been handled and tried on by prior customers.

The worst was the the NYC boutique shop. I live in CA and since they have a boutique shop in Beverly Hills, the NYC shop wouldn't offer a discount or relief on state sales tax. I walked down a few blocks on 5th ave and bought it for 15% less and zero sales tax.

DOUBLE 0 SE7EN · 8 June 2016, 05:09 PM

The Johannesburg Boutique was the most friendly one I've ever seen..all the times I've been there, were all great experiences for me..

dicedealer7 · 8 June 2016, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOUBLE 0 SE7EN

The Johannesburg Boutique was the most friendly one I've ever seen..all the times I've been there, were all great experiences for me..

Did that boutique offer any incentive to buy? Or just straight Msrp?

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Tudorpa · 13 June 2016, 04:21 AM

Bought a luminor marina at the Portofino boutique in 2005. No discount but got a great currency exchange and a new strap. I was able to select any one I wanted. Also was given a Pam cap, t-shirt and a really cool Pam beach bag.

bmwboris · 19 June 2016, 10:11 PM

We were there in October last year.

The store itself was very unassuming from the outside- at the back of Il Duomo- but it was Panerai heaven inside!!!!

The staff were lovely, very helpful and knowledgeable. I was interested in the PAM00559, however due to the exchange rate, I found it was cheaper (for me at least based in Australia) to buy at home.

Definitely worth a visit however

Ruud Van Driver · 20 June 2016, 12:02 AM

I'm a little surprised that the boutiques won't entertain a discount yet I can squeeze 10% out of them on a 533 at the Panerai boutique here in Singapore.

I'd be interested to hear about any discounts at the Jo'burg boutique too because Mrs Van D is there about four times a year

dicedealer7 · 29 June 2016, 01:40 AM

*****Thread update***
Just pulled the trigger on the Pam 00000.
Didn't even make it to Florence because the main boutique doesn't have the 000 in stock (e- mailed them about it yesterday).
I found the last one here in Venice and it wasn't even on display in the Pam boutique which I thought was odd. Had to ask about it and they brought it out from the back.
They wouldn't move on price with the 000 but would on other models. With the 15% VAT refund, free strap (green alligator that they will ship when they get it from Panerai) and travel pouch, I'm pretty happy with the deal.

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brandon13 · 29 June 2016, 04:07 AM

Congratulations! I will be passing by the Florence store next month...Question: what kind of break where you getting on the "other" models?

dicedealer7 · 29 June 2016, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandon13

Congratulations! I will be passing by the Florence store next month...Question: what kind of break where you getting on the "other" models?

5-10% from the Venice boutique. I didn't ask for these at all. They seemed to be pushing for the newer 8 days PAM560 with in house movement. But I wanted the classic 000 w/logo.

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descartes · 17 July 2016, 07:58 PM

I bought a Zero from the Firenze boutique three summers ago. Be forewarned, it is a difficult watch to get and I called several months in advance to have them hold one for me. They didn't have it in stock and low and behold they got one only a few days before I arrived, which they did hold, and I purchased. Great experience. No discount, but exchange rate is good and with VAT refund price was good.

Ruud Van Driver · 18 July 2016, 12:15 AM

in addition to what I wrote above, the service and attention to detail in the Panerai boutique in Singapore is incredible. Better service than any Rolex AD or boutique I've been in. I went in to try the 312 last weekend and they popped open a bottle of wine and I had a glass with the GM of Panerai Singapore, who happened to be in store. I could've had champagne if I'd wanted but I prefer a nice red. I didn't buy but as I was leaving, they popped the cork back in the bottle and have it to me to take home. I'll be back to buy very soon and they know it

dicedealer7 · 19 July 2016, 05:07 AM

Lucky with the wine! I got a cold coca cola offered to me. Maybe if I was buying a more expensive watch! Haha

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mfer · 19 July 2016, 06:01 AM

Nice! Congrats on the zero!

5080 · 21 July 2016, 02:55 AM

Hi,
I was there back on July 6th. Agree with everyone else with regards to the professionalism of staff and beauty of the store.

I asked about the PAM000 and 005. There wasn't any there as I was told the Ref was discontinued. The newer model with the inhouse movement (not sure of ref#) was however.
I asked the price on the 564 and 104 that I like. They gave me numbers and mentioned the VAT return. No discounts.
With exchange rates the way they are for Canadian funds I will purchase from a seller here when I am ready.

Enjoy your trip! Italy is a life changer!!

DOUBLE 0 SE7EN · 21 July 2016, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dicedealer7

Did that boutique offer any incentive to buy? Or just straight Msrp?

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For example the 233 is 8700 usd after getting the tax back..

descartes · 23 July 2016, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5080

Hi,
I was there back on July 6th. Agree with everyone else with regards to the professionalism of staff and beauty of the store.

I asked about the PAM000 and 005. There wasn't any there as I was told the Ref was discontinued. The newer model with the inhouse movement (not sure of ref#) was however.
I asked the price on the 564 and 104 that I like. They gave me numbers and mentioned the VAT return. No discounts.
With exchange rates the way they are for Canadian funds I will purchase from a seller here when I am ready.

Enjoy your trip! Italy is a life changer!!

Where I got my Zero at the Florence boutique I called several months in advance to have them reserve one for me. I kept checking and they didn't get a single one in until until a couple days before I arrived. When I got Florence I ran right over and picked it up.

6 June 2016, 08:28 AM	#1
dicedealer7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Here and there Posts: 39	Florence Boutique experience? Hey everyone! Has anyone been to the Florence Italy boutique? Ill be there in 3 weeks and wanted to see if anyone had anything to say about it... Ill hopefully be picking up my first Panerai (PAM000) and a few straps. So I was wondering what to maybe expect going straight to the PAM motherland instead of an AD or US boutique. Think they would offer any discount to get the ''tourist'' to buy a watch? Or perhaps a multi watch deal? (if the price is right a friend of mine might have me pick up one for him also) thanks everyone.

13 June 2016, 04:21 AM	#10
Tudorpa "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Alpharetta,Ga Watch: Rolex GMT; Panerai Posts: 46	Portofino Bought a luminor marina at the Portofino boutique in 2005. No discount but got a great currency exchange and a new strap. I was able to select any one I wanted. Also was given a Pam cap, t-shirt and a really cool Pam beach bag.

20 June 2016, 12:02 AM	#12
Ruud Van Driver "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Real Name: Chopped Liver Location: S. Wales Valleys Watch: Mickey Mouse Posts: 9,924	I'm a little surprised that the boutiques won't entertain a discount yet I can squeeze 10% out of them on a 533 at the Panerai boutique here in Singapore. I'd be interested to hear about any discounts at the Jo'burg boutique too because Mrs Van D is there about four times a year __________________ 116520 Black, 116610 LVc, 116660 D-Blue, 116610 LNc, 116622 Blue, PAM359, PAM689, PAM737 *"Why should you allow an AD to shake you down, just so you can buy a watch" - Grady Philpott* Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

17 July 2016, 07:58 PM	#16
descartes "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: North Shore Posts: 1,116	I bought a Zero from the Firenze boutique three summers ago. Be forewarned, it is a difficult watch to get and I called several months in advance to have them hold one for me. They didn't have it in stock and low and behold they got one only a few days before I arrived, which they did hold, and I purchased. Great experience. No discount, but exchange rate is good and with VAT refund price was good. __________________ I have a weakness for Travel Watches, Platinum, Vintage Rolex and 1960s Divers

18 July 2016, 12:15 AM	#17
Ruud Van Driver "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Real Name: Chopped Liver Location: S. Wales Valleys Watch: Mickey Mouse Posts: 9,924	in addition to what I wrote above, the service and attention to detail in the Panerai boutique in Singapore is incredible. Better service than any Rolex AD or boutique I've been in. I went in to try the 312 last weekend and they popped open a bottle of wine and I had a glass with the GM of Panerai Singapore, who happened to be in store. I could've had champagne if I'd wanted but I prefer a nice red. I didn't buy but as I was leaving, they popped the cork back in the bottle and have it to me to take home. I'll be back to buy very soon and they know it __________________ 116520 Black, 116610 LVc, 116660 D-Blue, 116610 LNc, 116622 Blue, PAM359, PAM689, PAM737 *"Why should you allow an AD to shake you down, just so you can buy a watch" - Grady Philpott* Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

6 June 2016, 09:50 AM	#2
joroz001 Banned Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 106	I was there last year. Unfortunately I had not yet really developed a taste for Panerai at the time... It is very nice spite and the service is outstanding, very knowledgeable staff. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

6 June 2016, 12:09 PM	#3
ap1 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: usa Posts: 19,044	There are several large men in there keeping an eye on you. But the sales staff seemed nice enough. Can't remember all the details but with the vat / strong usd the price was decent. I wound up with my normal AD and bested the price, But w/o the nice Florence story to tell

6 June 2016, 02:22 PM	#4
pakal "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: roatan Posts: 28	I was planning to buy my first PAM at the Firenze Boutique as well. I contacted them by email and they were fast and nice in replying back. They also suggested to contact them ahead of time my arrival so they can make sure to have any particular reference I'd like to see/try. You can apply for a 15% sales tax refund when travelling back to your country. Not sure if the Firenze Boutique is an exception but don't expect any discount. Depending on the model or the amount of your purchase you may be comped one or two straps or accessories.

6 June 2016, 11:39 PM	#5
sechsgang "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 1,443	I thought it was really cool (especially because it was just redesigned last year and is pretty big). They definitely carry a decent amount of inventory and the salespeople are really nice. let me also suggest that you take a trip to Stefano Bemer while you're there. They are a AMAZING cobbler (if you're a shoe guy youll want a couple pair...guarantee)...but ask the people working about straps for Panerai's (or Audemars, PP, Rolex etc etc) and say a friend of Tommaso's sent you. They can make you anything, out of any leather and they are AWESOME people...that would really make it special.

7 June 2016, 12:09 AM	#6
Pattyb69 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: CT Watch: BLNR\|LVC\|PAM 911 Posts: 1,085	I went to their boutique 2 weeks after they refinished the interior. Its a gorgeous store and the staff is incredibly friendly. You'll save 15-18% back from the VAT refund because you don't have to pay their taxes if you live in the US. You won't get anymore discount on top of that though

7 June 2016, 12:56 PM	#7
tjjma "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: San Francisco Posts: 237	I been to several Panerai boutique stores and not a single one offer any discount. I'm pretty sure Florence will be the same. However, consider the VAT back (~15%) to be the discount. The good thing about buying in Europe is you can ask the boutique dealer to order a brand new one in box from their factory in Switzerland to the shop in a couple or few days. Generally the boutique shop only carry one model of a watch or couple if it's a popular model, but most likely each watch has been handled and tried on by prior customers. The worst was the the NYC boutique shop. I live in CA and since they have a boutique shop in Beverly Hills, the NYC shop wouldn't offer a discount or relief on state sales tax. I walked down a few blocks on 5th ave and bought it for 15% less and zero sales tax.

8 June 2016, 05:09 PM	#8
DOUBLE 0 SE7EN "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: KAAN Location: ISTANBUL Watch: Explorer-PAM233 Posts: 1,645	The Johannesburg Boutique was the most friendly one I've ever seen..all the times I've been there, were all great experiences for me..

19 June 2016, 10:11 PM	#11
bmwboris "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Con Location: Sydney, Australia Watch: Too many Posts: 125	We were there in October last year. The store itself was very unassuming from the outside- at the back of Il Duomo- but it was Panerai heaven inside!!!! The staff were lovely, very helpful and knowledgeable. I was interested in the PAM00559, however due to the exchange rate, I found it was cheaper (for me at least based in Australia) to buy at home. Definitely worth a visit however

29 June 2016, 01:40 AM	#13
dicedealer7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Here and there Posts: 39	***Thread update* Just pulled the trigger on the Pam 00000. Didn't even make it to Florence because the main boutique doesn't have the 000 in stock (e- mailed them about it yesterday). I found the last one here in Venice and it wasn't even on display in the Pam boutique which I thought was odd. Had to ask about it and they brought it out from the back. They wouldn't move on price with the 000 but would on other models. With the 15% VAT refund, free strap (green alligator that they will ship when they get it from Panerai) and travel pouch, I'm pretty happy with the deal. Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

29 June 2016, 04:07 AM	#14
brandon13 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Miami Posts: 113	Congratulations! I will be passing by the Florence store next month...Question: what kind of break where you getting on the "other" models?

19 July 2016, 05:07 AM	#18
dicedealer7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Here and there Posts: 39	Lucky with the wine! I got a cold coca cola offered to me. Maybe if I was buying a more expensive watch! Haha Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

19 July 2016, 06:01 AM	#19
mfer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Mik Location: USA Posts: 13,723	Nice! Congrats on the zero! __________________ member#3242

21 July 2016, 02:55 AM	#20
5080 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2014 Real Name: TREVOR Location: St. John's, NL Watch: LVC Posts: 136	Hi, I was there back on July 6th. Agree with everyone else with regards to the professionalism of staff and beauty of the store. I asked about the PAM000 and 005. There wasn't any there as I was told the Ref was discontinued. The newer model with the inhouse movement (not sure of ref#) was however. I asked the price on the 564 and 104 that I like. They gave me numbers and mentioned the VAT return. No discounts. With exchange rates the way they are for Canadian funds I will purchase from a seller here when I am ready. Enjoy your trip! Italy is a life changer!!

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