Disappointing Luminor GMT 8 Days

[Stewey]

I just received this watch: http://www.timeshops.net/PA5830_-_Panerai_Luminor_GMT_8_Days_Black_Dial_PVD_LT_-_Asian_21J_Automatic_090065-34.htm

I am a little disappointed. The CG lever is very floppy, it almost doesn't hold itself closed. Also the power reserve meter doesn't work, is it supposed to with a 21J movement? The web page for it says it should.

Anyway, is this considered one of the poorer reps or have I got myself a lemon?

Do you think these things are fixable? I'm not scared to tinker with it and I also won't be able to send it back as I bought it wholesale. I won't be going through that farce again.


Thanks in advance for any wisdom you guys can give me, I really love the look of this watch and I really don't want to wear it like it is.

 

[R2D4]

It does say working power reserve for sure. Did you try and see if one of the crown pull out positions altered the indicator? You did wind it up correct? Of course you did. I would send Mark a note if I were you. He will want this back to repair it. If his listing is a mistake, tell him that the RWI admin team would like him to update this.

In regards to your comment about the cheap/lemon, I would say that is as open ended a question as you can get from both sides of the collectors mantra. You liked the look and function of the watch and you bought it. It depends on what you are trying to go for. Is it accurate to gen? Does it have a sapphire crystal? Can you mod it to be more gen-esq?

Many folks start out with a model in this range with 21J and then move to the side and get a 111H then venture into the A7750 movements.

Is there a better Panerai Rep? The 111H is a great starter and if you beat the luck of the draw, it's bullet proof. The luck of the draw is part of the game. All reps have a probability of arriving broken.

I guess I left you with more questions. Sorry. Good luck.

 

[COLDI]

I agree with R2. Just shoot TS an email.

As for a floppy lever. That can be easily fixed with some fine grit sand paper, capecod cloth or dremel, loctite and about 10 min of your time. Almost all rep cgs will have a loose lever.

 

[trailboss99]

Regardless of whether it was wholesale or not if it's broken when it arrives or not as advertised I would expect it fixed. T4D's wholesale terms allow for the return of a broken watch and I expect Mark will want to do the same.


Col.

 

[Time4Direct]

2 models in this watch you need to beware 21j and 23J the 23J is the better of the 2 and the same watch as the original 233/270 with working power reserve and faux GMT hand .
The newer version has a new crystal as well without AR but has gone back to the solid Rotor as the cut out one was problematic

 

[Stewey]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Yeah I wound it up, haha. I was comparing the lever to my other Panerai rep which is nice and solid, I guess I got a good one the first time out.

I'll drop Mark an email and see what he has to say.

 

[Stewey]

Hi Guys

Small update, I decided that sending the watch back was not worth the time and cost so I decided to open her up and have a sticky beak inside.

I fixed the floppy CG, very happy with that now. Also had a look at the power reserve indicator, it is just glued onto the face. I have dropped Mark an email requesting that they update the listing for this watch.

Overall I'm happy now that I know exactly what is what.