Pam 441 VSF. REAL CERAMIC OR PVD?

[proyectdf]

Hi friends!
Last year I bought from a well known TD one PAM441 VSF named “Real Ceramic” I paid for it more than the PVD model. Something logical because it is ceramic.
Today I collected my watch from my personal watchmaker for a maintenance service (lubrication and sealing of machinery) and I have been surprised because the case is PVD as the scratching test done in the back of the case after trying to convince my watchmaker that I have a real ceramic case PAM.
Could it be that this model has never been made of ceramic and everything is a trick to sell?

 

[ceesq]

Do you have a picture ? does your movement have a independent adjustable hour hand ? there have been pvd/dlc models out there before.

 

[proyectdf]

Do you have a picture ? does your movement have a independent adjustable hour hand ? there have been pvd/dlc models out there before.

Thanks friend.
The movement is like the gen. Yes, it have an independient adjustable hour hand.

 

[ceesq]

Ceramic is harder then steel, could it be a mark of the item you tried to scratch the case with ? did there came black material off ? maybe try to wash the marks with a toothbrush and some soap to see if it goes away

 

[proyectdf]

Ceramic is harder then steel, could it be a mark of the item you tried to scratch the case with ? did there came black material off ? maybe try to wash the marks with a toothbrush and some soap to see if it goes away

Yes, I have cleaned hardly the surface. Under the scratch I can see the steel of the case. Definitively it is not ceramic. I am surprised !

 

[johnlogan]

A friend of mine dropped his VSF PAM441and broke one of the lugs. Clearly ceramic, saw it myself. Is this a V2 or V3 and who is your TD?

 

[proyectdf]

A friend of mine dropped his VSF PAM441and broke one of the lugs. Clearly ceramic, saw it myself. Is this a V2 or V3 and who is your TD?

It is the version V2 from VSF, and sold like a real ceramic in the title.
The TD was Lucy.
Thanks!

 

[johnlogan]

It is the version V2 from VSF, and sold like a real ceramic in the title.
The TD was Lucy.
Thanks!

What is the weight of the case without strap ?

 

[proyectdf]

What is the weight of the case without strap ?

Good idea my friend.
The weight without straps is 110 gr.

 

[johnlogan]

Good idea my friend.
The weight without straps is 110 gr.

This sounds like ceramic. I will check mine.

 

[ceesq]

Yes, I have cleaned hardly the surface. Under the scratch I can see the steel of the case. Definitively it is not ceramic. I am surprised !

This movement type is never sold in the pvd/dlc casing afaik ,so the scratch carved through the material there is visable height difference between the scratch?

 

[KOT1917]

I completely agree with the arguments of other commentators and I am sure that this is a trace from a metal object that was scratched. These photos are hard to see, but on the pvd version there is a bearing on the lever, also the angles between the lugs and the body are sharp and the ceramic case is slightly rounded. Or, your copy is absolutely unique.

 

[proyectdf]

This movement type is never sold in the pvd/dlc casing afaik ,so the scratch carved through the material there is visable height difference between the scratch?

No visable height difference, but I have been cleaning hardly with soap and teeth brush and no way to remove the marks. Also I have done more test scratches with a needle and it is easy to scratch.

 

[ceesq]

Maybe try with a pencil eraser, or very carefull with a scouring pad, if you scratch a needle to a black ceramic it will leave a mark, but if done to pvd you will scratch away pvd material

 

[madgoal]

take an eraser to it, the scratches will go away. should just be material deposit.

 

[mysterio]

take an eraser to it, the scratches will go away. should just be material deposit.

He has actually already done that with much success and posted about it in another thread.

https://forum.replica-watch.info/forum/panerai/8926948-pleasantly-surprised

 

[Mr.Wick]

Came across this old thread because I too am having a prob with my Pam 441. Received it around a couple weeks ago and have worn it a handful of times. Noticed a small white scratch and tried the eraser method and a toothbrush cleaning. As I was using the eraser the area started to lighten up. Under magnification it was looking worse. It really appears to be a plated model. It came from a TD and was supposed to be a ceramic VSF model. I posted a thread earlier today but thought Id come here for some insight. It weighs 120 grams without the strap, 10 grams heavier than the one mentioned above. Will get some pics.

 

[Mr.Wick]