Merry Christmas to me! Panerai 233

[flyinbrian]

Originally Posted by Travelller

Yes, of course - you're completely right - I would also feel better knowing where mine is too!

I hope that the fix is quick and that your 233 is back on your wrist in no time - good luck and please continue to keep us posted

I will give updates as I receive them Hope this gets resolved soon as I have wanted this watch for many years and was really enjoying it. Just received 4 new straps to start mixing it up and that is when I realized it was defective :(

[simongpaez]

Thanks for the update, let us know how it goes, I am seriously considering a 233 as my next purchase, this will make it or brake it for me, it is not only about the piece is about the experience after they sold the watch, that is why I love Rolex so much, the 2 times I have dealt with them the experience was flawless.

[flyinbrian]

Originally Posted by simongpaez

Thanks for the update, let us know how it goes, I am seriously considering a 233 as my next purchase, this will make it or brake it for me, it is not only about the piece is about the experience after they sold the watch, that is why I love Rolex so much, the 2 times I have dealt with them the experience was flawless.

I have had one experience with Rolex and one with IWC and they went flawless, hoping I have the same with Panerai. Kind of concerned with the 3K case they mentioned yesterday, still no word back after speaking with them.

[flyinbrian]

Quick follow up. I received the mailing with the estimate that I need to replace the case for the low fee of $3025. So I called again today to explain a second time that the watch was defective from Panerai and I have not received a call back from my phone call Monday. Today I spoke with an Anthony who stated that he is a senior ambassador for the brand and he stated he would run it up the pole and get things handled. Anthony said he would email or call for sure by Tuesday. I will keep you all updated as this progresses. Very dissappointed with the service so far.

I recently had my new explorer II fail and sent it to Rolex RSC in Dallas and received it back repaired in less than three weeks. Also a while back I actually damaged my out of warranty IWC and they fixed it for free and had it back within 3 weeks. Link to IWC story:

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=268576

Hopefully Panerai steps up its program and takes care of the issue as I can see from a quick google search I am not the only one that has had this problem. Both with the defective quick release and the problem getting it covered under warranty.

[RUpanerai]

Congrats Brian, great choice. I am trying to score another one of them soon.

[bzabodyn]

Congrats - mine is my favorite Panerai out of the dozen or so I've owned:



Sorry to hear about the misfortune - here's to hoping they come through and make it good.

BZ

[simongpaez]

I hope it gets resolved soon, totally out of the question paying $3K for something that is wrong on their side.

Keep us updated and hang in there.

[toph]

Originally Posted by flyinbrian

Quick follow up. I received the mailing with the estimate that I need to replace the case for the low fee of $3025. So I called again today to explain a second time that the watch was defective from Panerai and I have not received a call back from my phone call Monday. Today I spoke with an Anthony who stated that he is a senior ambassador for the brand and he stated he would run it up the pole and get things handled. Anthony said he would email or call for sure by Tuesday. I will keep you all updated as this progresses. Very dissappointed with the service so far.

I recently had my new explorer II fail and sent it to Rolex RSC in Dallas and received it back repaired in less than three weeks. Also a while back I actually damaged my out of warranty IWC and they fixed it for free and had it back within 3 weeks. Link to IWC story:

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=268576

Hopefully Panerai steps up its program and takes care of the issue as I can see from a quick google search I am not the only one that has had this problem. Both with the defective quick release and the problem getting it covered under warranty.

Honestly I am quite appalled to hear your experience. Like you, I enjoy Rolex, IWC and Panerai amongst others.
It sounds like whoever has your watch has no clue of what they are doing. I would get it back and go elsewhere or directly to Panerai. ( I can't quite ascertain if that is where it is or is headed) The fact that they don't seem to even understand the problem and are trying to flog you a new case is, in my opinion, beneath contempt. In fact it's quite embarrassing. It's a new watch with a defect. You seem to have been fair, patient and reasonable.
I would be polite, but firm, in stating that you are completely shocked by the level of incompetence and their lack of knowledge in the detail of the issue. Put it to them that they have 7 days or you will a) take your watch elsewhere and/or b) be asking for a full refund on a defective piece. There is warranty for a reason. Out of principle don't let them get away with this type of practice.
Do you have a friend who is a lawyer? Get them to send a nice letter to the dealer.

[Travelller]

I'm sorry for the hassle they are putting you through

Just more proof that there's no solution that satisfies all needs. Let me clarify; when I got my 233, one of the many selling points was the Quick-Release system. After all, Panerai made strap collecting a pastime and the quicker and easier you can swap out a strap, the more fun it is

So when I recently acquired my 217 and had to resort to using a screwdriver, I was already missing the Quick-release system! On the other hand, reading this thread has made it clear that with every increase in complexity of a solution comes an increase in a chance for operational failure. Hell, even the 217's screw-in bars could cause havoc if one were to strip the case-threads...
Which brings us back to the classic spring bars... certainly less sturdy than the screw-in bars and a bit more tedious than the Quick-Release system, but there is no way to endanger the case...


p.s. / FWIW, some photos I made of the QR system for my 233 review.







EDIT: Speak of the devil... just came across this by accident...

[jvo300]

Originally Posted by flyinbrian

Quick follow up. I received the mailing with the estimate that I need to replace the case for the low fee of $3025. So I called again today to explain a second time that the watch was defective from Panerai and I have not received a call back from my phone call Monday. Today I spoke with an Anthony who stated that he is a senior ambassador for the brand and he stated he would run it up the pole and get things handled. Anthony said he would email or call for sure by Tuesday. I will keep you all updated as this progresses. Very dissappointed with the service so far.

I recently had my new explorer II fail and sent it to Rolex RSC in Dallas and received it back repaired in less than three weeks. Also a while back I actually damaged my out of warranty IWC and they fixed it for free and had it back within 3 weeks. Link to IWC story:

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=268576

Hopefully Panerai steps up its program and takes care of the issue as I can see from a quick google search I am not the only one that has had this problem. Both with the defective quick release and the problem getting it covered under warranty.

That's just pathetic. You need to demand action. You are in the right. If they continue down this path, you need to get louder with them and on the internet. This is not the way to treat customers.

[zengolf]

Sorry to hear about your experience thus far. As a new Panerai owner this is quite concerning. Please keep us posted. The watch is beautiful though.

[flyinbrian]

Thank you everyone for the concern and today I finally received my first email response which is as follows:

"A follow up has been made, again, about the case of your timepiece with the workshop. I highly anticipate a response, today, as I have also contacted a supervisor in the workshop. I will contact you as soon as I have information from the supervisor."

Not sure what that exactly means and not sure why they wouldn't just fix the defective case on a brand new watch. So far slightly stressful as I really just want my new watch back in working order.

PS: The watch was sent directly to Panerai Service Center stated on their website:

RICHEMONT TECHNICAL SERVICE
15100 Trinity Blvd, Suite 300 Ft. Worth, TX 76155
Phone: 1 866 374 4430
Fax: 1 817 785 2391

[exxondus]

I think iwc and pam are from the same Richemont group? Such a response is really disappointing.

[masterserg]

Crazy story. I hope it gets resolved soon and you can start enjoying that beauty!

[flyinbrian]

Originally Posted by exxondus

I think iwc and pam are from the same Richemont group? Such a response is really disappointing.

I was wondering the same thing but they obvisously must have different protocol as to how to handle warranty service. Hell IWC I was out of warranty and I broke the watch admittedly, they fixed it anyway and free of charge. Panerai received a brand new watch and some how I owe them money to fix their defect. Odd to say the least.

[lapince]

Great model, my first pam, but it gave me the pam fever, in the 5 following months i purchased 3 more, the 28, 82 and 217 but sold this one because way too big for my wrists, so i can just say excellent choice

[lapince]

Originally Posted by flyinbrian

I was wondering the same thing but they obvisously must have different protocol as to how to handle warranty service. Hell IWC I was out of warranty and I broke the watch admittedly, they fixed it anyway and free of charge. Panerai received a brand new watch and some how I owe them money to fix their defect. Odd to say the least.

I bought my first pam 6 months ago so haven't had to use their services, but basically I hear a lot of negative feedback about it, must say It worries me for the day that they will need service

[flyinbrian]

Originally Posted by lapince

I bought my first pam 6 months ago so haven't had to use their services, but basically I hear a lot of negative feedback about it, must say It worries me for the day that they will need service

To be honest it worries me as I really really like the watch. At this price range I would not expect this type of service.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by lapince

...basically I hear a lot of negative feedback about it, must say It worries me for the day that they will need service...

Tell me about it; that 217 I just procured needs to go in (8yrs old, never serviced) - and I'm pretty nervous at the propect...

[simongpaez]

Let us know how it goes

[flyinbrian]

UPDATE:

It looks like they are going to honor the warranty and fix my watch free of charge. Still kind of boggled that they wanted to charge in the first place but glad there is resolution and the watch will be repaired. Unfortunately I guess you need to replace the case to fix a stuck faulty quick release so they had to order one in. They gave me an estimated time of approximately 4 weeks for the repair.
I will update this thread again when I receive the watch back and hopefully show off some of the great brand new straps that I have here stairing at me and taunting me daily

[simongpaez]

Good to hear that, hope everything goes as planned, good outcome but the should have said that since since day 1.

[flyinbrian]

Originally Posted by simongpaez

Good to hear that, hope everything goes as planned, good outcome but the should have said that since since day 1.

I agree but I am just going to wait patiently as I really do love the watch and want to continue to enjoy it and the Panerai brand. I have a decent collection of watches and I was really enjoying the Panerai and still think it is a great brand.

[sea-dweller]

Nice!

[flyinbrian]

Heading to Chicago this weekend and still without my brand new Panerai, has anyone ever received a discount from the Omega Boutique in Chicago? Thinking of picking up a new watch to fill the void but not sure about pricing with the instant drop in value when paying retail on an Omega.

[TopNotchChach]

beautiful!

[uscmatt99]

Originally Posted by flyinbrian

Heading to Chicago this weekend and still without my brand new Panerai, has anyone ever received a discount from the Omega Boutique in Chicago? Thinking of picking up a new watch to fill the void but not sure about pricing with the instant drop in value when paying retail on an Omega.

Neither the Omega boutique nor Tourbillon will discount, you may get an extra strap to sweeten the deal at best.

[masterserg]

Any updates?

[flyinbrian]

Originally Posted by masterserg

Any updates?

I wish, I havent heard a peep and I am still waiting patiently.

[flyinbrian]

While waiting for my new PAM 233 to return I decided to fill the void with this