SOLD: Panerai 88 PAM88 - Top 5 Most Sought After Model

[Harbinger]

I recently added a 116520 Daytona to my collection, and with that one of my favorite watches is on the block to be appreciated by another.

Panerai as a brand can be confusing with many models looking very similar. There is absolutely no mistaking an 88 for anything but an 88 which is why I believe they are so sought after.

I also come across a lot of used Panerai that have replica boxes, deployments, buckles, bands, etc. EVERYTHING is 100% guaranteed OEM in this package.

Case - lightly polished once in its lifetime. I would rate the case at 90-95%. Could be brought to 100% with a full polish, but is near mint already, and lines are crisp.

Bands - included in the list price is the cognac 24x22 OEM croc for deployment. Also 24x22 OEM rubber for deployment.

Buckle - 100% genuine OEM deployment. (Lesson: 3 things to look for in a $400 OEM deployment vs a $40 knockoff. 1. Panerai later etched under buckle. 2. Serial laser etched in middle of deployment. 3. Small screw on opposite end of deployment)

Box - Genuine OEM pearlwood box with OEM quick deploy tool and OEM Panerai screwdriver.

Papers - Guarentee booklet. Humbertown appraisal which they took 4 days with the watch to ensure 100% authenticity.

Price. Asking $5,800CAD for everything listed above.

Will consider straight trade with select 40mm+ rolex models.

Extras:

Mint OEM pre-v buckle - $175
Mint OEM thumbnail buckle - $225
OEM 24x22 black croc band for deployment (well worn, but has style) -$100
OEM 24x22 patent blue croc strap for buckle (Rare) - $350
OEM 24x22 green croc (Rare) -$350

Any unsold extras will be added to the accessory side following the sale.

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[Harbinger]

The most conflicting thing about selling this watch aside from just liking it was that it is the centerpiece for my CRAZIEST watch story ever.

So, at no additional charge, the watch also includes its origin story below!!

Caution: this is a what NOT to do guide to buying on kijiji (appropriate given the recent thread)

Almost 11 months ago to the day, I was just starting to get into collecting having owned a few nice watches. Someone asked me for a price on my 2014 Zenith Chronomaster I had acquired from Joe123, and to my surprise, he accepted....which I wasn't actually expecting, but being a man of my word, I was now watchless!

The next day I saw a post for a Panerai GMT out in Moncton, NB on Kijiji.....He traded an ATV for the watch and couldn't open the case to send me a movement photo. No box, no papers. Never had it authenticated.

He would only do a face to face deal, and said he would knock $500 off the asking price if I jumped on a plane from Toronto to authenticate/buy the watch.

I had never opened a watch in my life, so bought a universal caseback opener, googled the movement photo, and booked a plane ticket (thanks Aeroplan).

The first plane was fine, but to connect into Moncton required a flight on what I can only describe as questionably flight worthy.

I arrived in Moncton and met the very friendly francophone gentleman who handed over the Panerai for my inspection as we sat in the tiny airport food court (was in Moncton for 4 hours total).

The watch felt of quality. Great weight. Crown guard had the right feel. Band was unmistakably genuine crocodile. I was sure it was real.

I pulled out my newly acquired tools (trying to make it look like it was not my first time opening a watch), and to my astonishment, the movement did not match the photos I found. It should be an OPVIII, and though the movement said OPVIII, it was decorated like the photos I found for the OPIX. The quality was amazing...but the movement didn't match my reference photo.

I told him how I hate giving bad news to good people. I showed him the reference photos and explained what I expected to see.

It was however a long way to travel to come up empty handed. It was an interesting story but less interesting without proof. "$400" I said. "That's about what a replica like this sells for".

But, I will make you a promise. If I'm wrong...and it's possible, despite my VAST watch knowledge, that i made a mistake....I'll pay you every last cent of your asking price. I'm going to have the watch authenticated by Panerai, and will send you the results either way.

You could tell he was disappointed, but with a smile he agreed and accepted his $400. I walked him to his truck, and as he drove away, there is no doubt in my mind that he never thought he would hear from me again.

First stop, Watchfinder. I explained to the tech why the watch was fake. Showed him all my evidence, and then he took it to the back.

Comes out...nope, its real. **** me, right? Needing me be 100% sure before shelling out thousands of dollars, the watch is then brought to Humbertown. They quoted me 4 days to authenticate, but also explained that i was wrong in assuming there was a single version of the OPVIII, and to get my chequebook ready.

So, NOW is one of those moments in your life where you define the kind of man you are. Do I send thousands of dollars to a man I met for an hour once, but trusted me at my word?

I'm sad Kijiji doesn't keep your full history. After he received the payment, he also offered the use of his summer home in NB......tempting...and super cute.

I do hope this story stays with this watch. And never do as I did!

Happy collecting.

-Kyle


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[Harbinger]

Bump


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[Harbinger]

88 still looking for a new home.

Christmas Bump

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[Harbinger]

Lots of interest this week. As a alternative, those interested in just the watch have the opportunity to purchase this watch much like I did...with some added bonuses.

-Pam88
-1 OEM pre-v style buckle
-1 OEM strap of your choice (black croc, brown croc, rubber)
-OEM quick deploy tool
-Non-OEM screwdriver (quick deploy tool used for strap changes)
-Authenticity & Valuation ($10,735) document from Humbertown

All the above for $5,250 FTF in Toronto.

 

[Harbinger]

May have found a temporary photo fix. Example below.

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[Harbinger]

And SOLD!

Even though I wasn't able to keep the 88 in the CWC community, I appreciate the opportunity to share the story of this watch with such a great community of collectors.

88, you will be missed.

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