40mm Chrono? Is this legit?

[SeeDweller]

I just bought a 40mm Chrono in titanium/Steel, and it’s on the way.
Getting delivered tomorrow, but already have a few questions about the pedigree!
When I saw this, it was listed as a 00121, except it has an exhibition back.
Also, the listing claims it has a Zenith El Primero, but I don’t see that on the movement. On the case/lug is OP 6531, and on the bridge is “400/Z”.
Serial number BB1064xxx
Can anyone help me know this is legit? I’d be very grateful for any help!! I can send pics if that will help...
Please respond to my personal email!
rbmiller1@mac.com
Thank you!!! Bob

[nick c]

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=196590

[SeeDweller]

Thanks, Nick, for sending the link from Mark in Austin when he sold what looks like the EXACT same watch in 2011. (Well, .... different serial numbers, and different number - his is #96/1500, and mine is #221/1500. In every way that I can compare from the photos, I have that piece.

I wrote to Mark and he showed my pictures of the box/papers for his watch, so at least I know that was real, and if mine looks the same in every regard, ... I"m starting to feel better about this being the Real deal.

If you have anything else about this Ref number or model or anyway that I can authenticate it, I'd be very grateful. Thank you again,

[SeeDweller]

Good Saturday morning, TRF-er’s!!
I’m surprised that, other than Nick’s helpful link above (Thanks, Nick!), there’s no one else with any knowledge or comments about the Panerai 40mm chrono, esp this PAM00121.

The response from The Forums with a Rolex question is often thunderous, and has saved me me from making a bad purchase in the past (vintage 1665). Perhaps there aren’t as many Paneraistas on TRF? If anyone has a suggestion as to a different Forum to check out, I’d be grateful.

I have received this beautiful puppy and am enjoying it in a completely different way than the stunning Root Beer 16753 (on jubilee, of course) that’s been attached to me for a while now! A very different wearing experience than I had expected from a large titanium/steel case Panerai! With the warm grey leather strap (oh, so supple!), and the two tone subdials, it just feels like an old friend already. Problem is that before I get TOO attached, it’d be great to know if it’s genuine.

Are there any Panerai resources in the Sacramento region? Again, thanks to anyone reading this!

PS: Maybe I’m still learning how to use TRF, but it seems difficult to post pix. Can a moderator direct me to the instructions as to reducing the file size, but still having a clear image, as I see all the time?

[Cru Jones]

Tapatalk is an easy way to post pics.

Since you've already bought it and are enjoying it, I personally would just keep it up and enjoy the watch, since you already had done enough diligence to buy it in the first place. No need to second guess yourself.

[F308gt4]

Unfortunately, there jus isn’t a lot of info out there on these beautiful zenith el primero powered chronos. I had a Pam 74 at one time, which was similar, but didn’t have the colored subdials. Great watch, and I commented on it in this thread below:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=578260

I think when these watches came out, the only Panerai sizes available were the 44mm and a few 40mm sizes. People used to look down on the 40mm models, believing they were “feminine” or just not as cool as the 44mm. I think time has been kind to them, and perhaps they get a little more respect now than they used to.

It’s not likely that they were faked, simply because there weren’t many made, and they were not very desirable. Therefore, I’m almost positive yours is genuine.

Post up some pics of yours. Some of us do love the 40mm PAMs. I wish I had never sold mine, and maybe one day I’ll pick up another one.

[nick c]

http://www.paneraisource.com/watch_d...orary_254.html

[snowflake]

I understand your concern OP given the exceptional and almost morbidly accurate Panerai replicas around. But, clones simply don't exist for the Zenth El Primero. If you can confirm the movement, it is clear and your watch is genuine.

Panerai used Zenith movements in their early models (I have PAM062 and PAM103 with a Zenith inside) and EL Primero (or Panerai Calibre OP IV) was used in PAM052, 060, 072, 074, 108 and your 121.

The replica chronographs use either an ETA7753 clone (Seagull 3LZF1) or Venus 175 clones (Seagull ST19 or ST19 with automatic winding module) and they are quite different from El Primero.

[SeeDweller]

OMG!! You guys are terrific!! That's exactly what I was hoping to see from y'all, but was getting worried. Thank you for making me feel better (and yes . . . I REALLY love this watch, already.
Here's a GREAT (and enthusiastic) review of the PAM121:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYwXLBbvLaM

Nick? I had seen that PanaraiSource listing, but thank you again. AND, I've now had more communication with the "Mark" who was the seller in your first reference. He, too, feels that if mine has the same innards (seen through the exhibition back) as does his (and he sent a gorgeous photo, as well), then mine is probably legit. And, everything I compare looks "spot-ON".

Snowflake / K? If I can get these pictures attached, I'd love your opinion if this looks like the El Primero. That would pretty much clinch this for me. I'll attach pix of MY watch, with the rotor on different sides.

And again,... thank you all for rallying ! It's a great community, after all! (sung to the tune of "It's a small world", of course....).

[snowflake]

Hi Bob,

that is a decorated ST19 and your watch is a super rep and I can buy it for $300 ... sorry just kidding. Your PAM121 is genuine.

Following is the movement in my Zenith chronograph which is identical to the movement in your pics:

[nick c]

Originally Posted by BobMiller

OMG!! You guys are terrific!! That's exactly what I was hoping to see from y'all, but was getting worried. Thank you for making me feel better (and yes . . . I REALLY love this watch, already.
Here's a GREAT (and enthusiastic) review of the PAM121:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYwXLBbvLaM

Nick? I had seen that PanaraiSource listing, but thank you again. AND, I've now had more communication with the "Mark" who was the seller in your first reference. He, too, feels that if mine has the same innards (seen through the exhibition back) as does his (and he sent a gorgeous photo, as well), then mine is probably legit. And, everything I compare looks "spot-ON".

Snowflake / K? If I can get these pictures attached, I'd love your opinion if this looks like the El Primero. That would pretty much clinch this for me. I'll attach pix of MY watch, with the rotor on different sides.

And again,... thank you all for rallying ! It's a great community, after all! (sung to the tune of "It's a small world", of course....).

Hi Bob you did good, your Pam 121 it’s beautiful wear and enjoy

[srvrf]

This is a rare watch but definitely looks good. Mine has been to Panerai for service so I know is genuine. I’m partial to the light gray strap.







Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SeeDweller]

Thanks again, everyone....
I’m really loving wearing it.
Great community!

(And Snowflake.... you’ll grin to know how my stomach felt as I started reading your note! Dirty Trick there! ;-). Don’t worry... I’ll get over it!)

[xwalker4]

That's a great piece!! Congrats!

[Snarltorialist]

Out of interest Bob, how much did you end up paying for this? Looks great by the way!

[SeeDweller]

Originally Posted by Snarltorialist

Out of interest Bob, how much did you end up paying for this? Looks great by the way!

Paid $6500 + Tx. Seemed high at the time, but with the authenticity and rarity now established, I feel pretty good about it.
Thanks for the compliments!

[WatchObsess]

Very happy for you Bob, I really like that dial as well as the decorated movement.

Sent from my A1601 using Tapatalk

[Snarltorialist]

Originally Posted by BobMiller

Paid $6500 + Tx. Seemed high at the time, but with the authenticity and rarity now established, I feel pretty good about it.
Thanks for the compliments!

Thanks Bob - would you mind posting some photos of the deployant clasp? Curious to see what it should look like as I saw one recently that I thought looked dodgy (based on gut feel), but could be mistaken!

[snowflake]

Originally Posted by BobMiller

Paid $6500 + Tx. Seemed high at the time, but with the authenticity and rarity now established, I feel pretty good about it.
Thanks for the compliments!

Very well done, Bob! If my memory is correct, these El Primero PAMs were going for well above 10k