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390 tells rep vs gen - tips for buyiing?

the_don_robinson

Active Member
20/4/12
325
6
18
Hi Folks,

Here is the deal.... i am thinking about purchasing a gen 390 second hand. In order not to pay a considerable sum of hard earned cash and end up with a H Fac rep I was hoping you good folks could point out how to spot any tells?

Obviously if i can get it opened up I hope I would be able to recognise from the movement but assuming I cant whats the best way to determine if its a rep?

It has papers but i know these can be rep'd as well...

Not sure if we have had a side by side but if i get it I promise to do one!

So far to check i have:
- ensure serial number tallies with the ones on the paper work
- check it matches to tags and box

what am i missing?!

Cheers.
 

Rogerthat

Renowned Member
6/11/06
919
1
0
Lume is flatter in gen, more raised off dial on rep

The rep cg is not squared off
Some rep owners such as myself though have put the 390 in a new noob case which does have a square cg but those are rare

Color of hands is said to be different as well but without gen next to rep I am not sure that would help you

Lastly if you open the caseback there are tells on the movement
 

PamLuver80

Renowned Member
Supporter
Certified
8/3/11
859
1
18
just look at the box and papers...if all the numbers watch whats engraved on the case back bb number, it will have letter + number on the watch for instance K100/500...its very hard for a rep to have all these matched up to GENUINE papers.
 

the_don_robinson

Active Member
20/4/12
325
6
18
Thanks just don't fancy paying out for a h fac when I could get it direct!

I guess unless the papers were fake I wouldn't be able to tell from serial numbers?

Also pam 390 comes in special edition box (wider than normal) which I haven't seen on the forums yet... Guess they haven't repd it?!
 

trailboss99

Head Honcho - Cat Herder
Staff member
Administrator
Certified
30/3/08
43,707
18,112
113
Mate if you are viewing the watch in person the best and easiest way to meet the guy at a Panerai AD and have them confirm it for you. Then there is no doubt.
 

Mambo

I'm Pretty Popular
24/8/09
1,652
0
0
Have a good look at the cg, fit and finish on a gen is simply not the same on a rep, no matter which edition ( h fac or noob ) , especially the lever with rollerball doesn't even come close ;) ( IMHO )
If you are unsure, meet up at an AD and have them verify it ....

Or buy the rep and safe some cash .... :lol:
 

the_don_robinson

Active Member
20/4/12
325
6
18
Fantastic pointers gents.

I am hoping to get some scans and macro shots of the watch in question tomorrow...

Will let you all know how it goes!
 

Monkeynuts

Getting To Know The Place
14/9/11
40
0
0
I would like to see the movement quite a few tells there I don't even think the panerai writing is engraved on that it's no bother to remove the backHave heard the same thing about the hands but not sure if there is any difference
As you said the box will be bigger
Good luck with the buying
 

ALE7575

Section Mod
Section Moderator
Certified
18/1/11
19,846
424
83
Hi TDR
Nice to see there are serious problems to notice the replica flaws in comparison with a gen.
I would consult a Panerai AD as Trailboss and Mambo say.
If you take pics, take one of the movement if possible stopped to see the balance wheel, don't forget the serial numbers and the CG.

Anyway, if you are willing to spend a big quantity of money in a gen, Buy a rep and then you could make a comparison side by side.
Maybe you like more the rep and will save a lot of money. LOL
If for you there are a big difference buy the gen because it is worth.
But if you think there are no difference keep your rep and save the money.
If you chose the gen you could sell the rep with some little loss.

Anyhow, with the quality level of the current Panerai replicas it is difficult to say it is worth buying a gen. If you want a gen I would buy a non well copied model, never a Super rep like the PAM 390.

Good luck
ALE
 

the_don_robinson

Active Member
20/4/12
325
6
18
thanks ALE... my logic with the 390 is that I suspect it will become one of the more collectable models over the next few years.... it has all the stylings of a classic!

And at 2000 producted (excluding H Fac ones!) its rarer than the other Base type models... good idea to buy rep and do a side by side compare!
 

ALE7575

Section Mod
Section Moderator
Certified
18/1/11
19,846
424
83
thanks ALE... my logic with the 390 is that I suspect it will become one of the more collectable models over the next few years.... it has all the stylings of a classic!

And at 2000 producted (excluding H Fac ones!) its rarer than the other Base type models... good idea to buy rep and do a side by side compare!

I agree
But the idea of buying a rep to comparison is growing in me more and more
It will be an interesting match, mainly with a person who is willing to buy a gen
Keep us informed. Please

ALE