panerai service @ richemont q

[jelliesR]

So I wanted to restore the bezel to mirror finish on my Panerai, prior to sale.

I dropped it off at Richemont (Sydney) service. The quote came back saying that since the amplitude was low they're going to do a full cleaning and service yada yada and "light polishing".

Alright so the fee for this "complete service" is $425.

Sound reasonable or I should just sell as-is and let the new buyer do it.
Or should I find a place that is willing to polish the bezel and re-assemble.
Or should I ask Richemont to just do the polish and nothing else.

BTW the watch has been stored since 2005 when it was new, maybe a few months wrist time total. I suppose if it is "Low amplitude" it is just oil evaporation.

BTW my Patek which I bought new in 98, and used for years, was tested a few months ago because I thought it must need a service by now, was found to be perfect, and not in need of even re-lubrication. Hmm.

[Travelller]

What model are we talking about?

[mborkow]

If the watch is keeping good time, I wouldn't do a thing: sell as is (let the next owner decide if he wants to polish...I would not).

[jelliesR]

Its a 217. Not a complicated movement :)

[Travelller]

Lol. I just bought a 217! One owner, bought from a local AD in 2005 and sold to one of my dealers. He called me in and said he didn't (and wouldn't) touch it, knowing collectors prefer it that way.

Knowing me well, he also said he'd recommend sending it in to RSC on my behalf (8yrs old and losing 12s/day). So that's what we did. I wore it for a couple of weeks and then he sent it in.

Either have it fixed & polished by RSC or do nothing. I don't care that the mvmt is common - it's a $$$ model and should be treated as such. Personally, I'd let RSC service it - that way the buyer has added assurance that your 217 is authentic!