A decade's difference

[Tom-HK]

I'm new to reps, but about a decade ago I went to a night market in Hong Kong, at my brother's request, to try to find a Panerai for him. I knew nothing at all about watches, at the time. Here's what I found:

In another thread I stated that this was eleven years ago, but looking at the photos again I guess it must have been ten years ago. Anyway, I met a man in Temple Street market who led me down a dark alley and this is what I ended up with. It was expensive for me, at the time, and I was very pleased with myself for my daring nocturnal adventure and for having acquired such an impressive watch.

Well, anyway, that was a lifetime ago. Ten years and about 50 watches later, I have had another try at buying a rep for my brother. This time a Noob Factory V4 PAM111:

My brother tells me he has acquired several Panerais from various flea markets as he has travelled around, and none has lasted very long. I guess that's not a surprise. I do wonder, however, whether he will really appreciate the difference in this rep or whether he's perhaps just one of those guys who loves cheap, flea-market fakes? We'll find out soon enough.

 

[pfdamion876]

Tell him it's a gen, he probably won't be able to tell the difference and he'll take better care of it

 

[Tom-HK]

Possibly; or possibly he'd try to sell it. He's quite mercenary in that way.

With this purchase I might perhaps be trying to push a bit of my own enthusiasm for watches onto my brother. I know he likes Panerais and I know he likes to collect cheap flea-market fakes, but I have absolutely no evidence that he is really a watch person. There's a reasonable chance this could just gather dust but I'm hoping that the quality will speak for itself and even if he doesn't ever get into watches he might at least enjoy this watch and treat it with a degree of respect.

 

[Knifemaker]

That old pam, well, I've seen a LOT worse. A LOT!!!

Now tell your brother that yes, it's a Rep, and that you had it especially made up for him. Took a few months.

A few of the TD's here use to do that kind of thing. Sead did up a wonderful 111 for me a few years back. It could use a polished CP and a nicer,clearer crystal, but other than that, It's a winner! Beautiful Fit and Finish, and the LUME will blind ya!

In fact, I just approved a QC Pic from Sead tonight. Finally picked up a Noob 360 that I have been lusting after for a Long Time.

Knife

 

[Tom-HK]

That might work, Knife. The personal touch. Thoughtful elder brother. Lot of time, care and attention paid. Hm... he might just buy it! I've had a watch made for me before and it really does make a difference in how you personally connect with it.

Looking forward to seeing the 360!

 

[kingcrab]

lol, I still have a Pam from 2003...lol from local TD bought on the back of a van

 

[psychoyam]

Well Tom, if your brother doesn't appreciate it and decides to sell it or want to trade it for 10 flea market fakes, let me know!! :laugh:

 

[Tom-HK]

Well Tom, if your brother doesn't appreciate it and decides to sell it or want to trade it for 10 flea market fakes, let me know!! :laugh:

Ok, but he's a tough negotiator. He might ask for eleven.

 

[Knifemaker]

Thanks Tom! Having a hard time already waiting on the 360 LOL!!!

Sead sure has done me right over the years! ;-)

Knife

 

[Tom-HK]

Thought I'd update this thread with a report on the progress of the watch. My brother has been wearing it daily since I gave it to him and he has been very happy with it. A week or two ago he contacted me to say that one of the crown bridge screws had fallen out. He sent to watch to me and I bought a couple of screws off eBay.

The fix was quick and simple but whilst I had the watch I decided to wear it for a while and keep an eye on its timing. I must say I am very impressed. Despite my brother clearly not taking very good care of it, the watch appears to have stood up well to daily use and acquired only the sort of grime that can easily be cleaned off. The crystal, metalwork and leather are all in remarkably good condition. Besides this there is no play in the crown and no loose bits other than the screw that fell out.

Timing-wise, I am pleased to report that it is keeping to within a few seconds per day. I have also noticed that the lume is good and bright and lasts a long time.

All-in-all, it seems to be a good watch so far. It has certainly (and unsurprisingly) held up far better than any of the cheap-and-cheerful night market fakes that my brother had been used to in the past and I rather expect this watch will go on to provide good time-keeping for years to come.