Bay Authentication of Panerai

[CountryRoads]

I am new to Panerai, and would like to Purchase a 111 or 112. It seems that many of those examples are without a box. I have heard that Panerai has very good copies, and these particular models are often copied. Would you trust the authenticators at Ebay? What are your thoughts on purchasing without box and papers from Ebay? any help would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. is the 112 a good first Panerai? Does it get boring after a while, and what are your thoughts on the best Luminor 44 MM case?

[rmwill]

Bought mine from a dealer on Chrono24. Full set minus the screwdriver+ service paperwork from 2014. All numbers match, and I even registered it with Panerai. I would shy away from non full sets because of the large number of fakes. There is someone selling a full set here. Looks like a nice watch.

[roger.bolton]

You can trust them to be honest about what they think. But it does not mean they are right. They are almost certainly right, but if unsure get an extra opinion.

[rmwill]

On hold pending funds, but I would reach out to the seller. Late model 111. Strap is not the same as my beat up original, but thats no big deal given how many straps you will buy :). Here is mine on a decent cheap German made strap from Panatime.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=841558

Originally Posted by rmwill

Bought mine from a dealer on Chrono24. Full set minus the screwdriver+ service paperwork from 2014. All numbers match, and I even registered it with Panerai. I would shy away from non full sets because of the large number of fakes. There is someone selling a full set here. Looks like a nice watch.

[CountryRoads]

thank you, i saw a 111, but it looks like it is pending funds. Is that the one you are referring too? If not, can you point me towards it?

[CountryRoads]

it looks amazing. Do you love it? Is there another you prefer?

[rmwill]

Thanks! I do love it. It's big and bold. I wanted a full set, pre in-house movement, sandwich dial, 300M reference with few complications. The basic essence of the brand. That lead me to this 111.

I question some of the brand's recent decisions, but it was hard for me to give up buying a new one from my Rolex AD and accumulating more spend history. Ironically, I went to see my sales associate to buy an Alligator strap for it and she gave it to me for free using my loyalty points earned from my recent Rolex purchase. So I effectively got a discount on my Explorer II

Originally Posted by CountryRoads

it looks amazing. Do you love it? Is there another you prefer?

[njlam]

I just bought a 233 on eBay and was comfortable with the authenication they offered.

The seller/dealer (Chaudhrytech) was very experienced and knowledgeable with Panerai watches and helped me extend the Pam Guard warranty (my new watch was a V series/2019) so it had some warranty left). My watch came with all papers/tools/boxes.

I am surprised as anyone that I bought something so expensive on ebay with all the fakes people talk about. My particular seller/dealer was quite good and I expect buy from him again.

[utc66]

233 are hard to fake because the movement and the power reserve are unique. I don’t know much about fake 111/112 but I imagine there are certain characteristics that give fakes away even in 2022.

[rootbeer7]

As ever buy the seller. Ensure you get close up images of movements and compare with those online. If images are unclear walk away. If they’re local ask to meet somewhere where watch can be verified.
I have a 112 after 2 others (390 & 233) and for me it’s perfect. Painted dial, it’s an early decorated movement model.

[DOUBLE 0 SE7EN]

Never saw a proper fake 233..

Originally Posted by utc66

233 are hard to fake because the movement and the power reserve are unique. I don’t know much about fake 111/112 but I imagine there are certain characteristics that give fakes away even in 2022.

[214270Explorer]

I would never trust an auction site verification.
Even the best watch experts can have problems spotting the better fakes.

I have not purchased from auction sites and I never will. Can you say "minefield."

Stick with the trusted sellers here at TRF, or the renown, honest resellers such as DAVIDSW and Takuya.

[Polar Bear]

I've seen surprisingly good Pam111 Homages built out of Ali Express and Seiko Parts
I can imagine how good a fake could be if the person making was actually trying
I wouldn't be buying a 111 or 112 from anyone privately
Go with a respected dealer if possible

I saw a bit of commotion on the Paneristi group a while back about a 112 that was purchased via eBay with authentication that actually turned out to be a fake

[michaelodonnell123]

I bought my 112 from here: https://happyjewelers.com/collections/panerai
Came with box and papers. Give them a call.

[phozenstone]

Can’t go wrong with 112!

[brandrea]

I’d maybe start by walking our trusted sellers here in the forum to source you one. You may pay slightly more, but you would sleep better at night

[Srct]

It’s a great watch - was my first and got it from a collector - triple boxed . You are right some of the fakes of them are very very close plus some mod them with original parts. It’s the one brand of watch I would always pay a little more to get from a trusted source. Good luck.