The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Dear All,

I finally took the plunge and bought the PAM 312 from an AD in Australia but have noticed a few things that seem to be a bit different about my PAM and would like those who also own one to verify that i'm not going crazy and haven't received a dodgy product.

I have provided (Crappy) photos below to try and sort things out

So my issues are:

1. The dial of my PAM doesn't seem to be the same shade of black as online photos. Online photos show the dial as a real pitch black yet my PAM in real life looks like a faded black, almost a real dark grey colour

2. On the back of my PAM, the part where all the model numbers and serial numbers are written the metal is a brushed yet i saw on a youtube clip another guy demonstrating his PAM 312 and this area was polished steel.

3. Also on the back, all the writing for the serial numbers, wording, etc is upside down on my watch. Is the orientation of the writing a random event because I would assume that such a prestige watch the manufacturers would have more attention to detail and ensure the writing was the right way up

4. The sapphire crystal is mean to have anti-reflection properties and on my breitlings, this produces a slight green/blue tinge yet the PAM doesn't have this green/blue tinge and doesn't seem to be very 'anti-reflective'

It would be great if you could help answer my questions and alleviate my anxiety given i've spent 7k on it.

Thanks a lot in advance

You may want to check Paneristi.com, they know everything over there. I don't think there are but a couple Pam ambassadors here. Cool piece bud, I was gonna buy one but just had a feeling I would lose interest in it quickly for some reason.

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One Watch At A Time.

The dial on the 312 isn't what I would call "pitch black". Its black for sure but kinda faded (just a little) black. The writting on the caseback of your watch seems to be OK. PANERAI is oriented one direction and all the other engraving it supposed to be facing the other direction, so I believe that is OK.

As far as a polished vs. brushed case back...hmmmm I am not wearing mine right now, but I believe mine IS polished. I don't know what to make of yours, other than maybe some were brushed... I dunno.
One thing that always puzzles me, everytime we see one of these posts..... you paid $7000? Thats only $400 off full price. Then I assume this watch was "new" and you just had to have it and you didn't negotiate a discount. SO....

Where are the papers? Did you not buy it from an authorized dealer? An authorized dealer ONLY sells authentic watches, case closed....enjoy the watch.

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

I own a 359 - which is basically the 312 with a different dial...

So my issues are:

1. Online photos almost never represent the true color of the dial

2. Mine is brushed - and the case on my 359 is totally polished. It may have to do with the production #. Mine is low - #34 out of 3000

3. Your caseback looks exactly like mine

4. Mine does not have any type of hue either - and I think it doesn't seem as "anti-reflective" because the shape of the crystal is a bit flatter (and larger) than the watches you are comparing it to

Hope that helps

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PAM359, Omega PO Big Size, 1951 Omega Seamaster, Rolex Sea Dweller

hey bud first off congrats on a great piece. first off if you bought the watch from an actual Pam dealer I think that you should be safe. In regards to the dial color like others have said its not a dark rich black even though thats how its described.

how large is your wrist that watch looks huge on you

Do you know of any PAM AD who is willing to significantly discount? Recently I have also been looking at the 312. In my experience I have not found an AD that is willing to discount at all on this model. Most Breitling AD's will negotiate fairly easily if asked to however it seems to be quite different with Panerai. Probably because they produce a lot less of each model every year in relation to some other brands. Not really sure though...

In my experience I have never been able to get anything but the taxes taken off when negotiating for a Panerai. I know some guys on here seem to do well with their AD's.

Congrats on a great piece. IMO it looks huge on your wrists.

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There isn't ever a "significant" discount on Panerai, compared to Breitling per se BUT I can guarantee that if I ordered a brand new Panerai at my non-Panerai AD (they carry almost every other brand, just not a AD for Panerai and so they get the watches from the local Panerai AD), that I WOULD get at minimum 10% off and because thier out of state I would have it shipped home for a no tax deal. I was just stating that $400 is NOT any kind of price break for a non LE model (albeit a popular one). When I bought mine I went pre-loved and let someone else take the instant hit on the new vs. used price. Even if I would have sent mine in immediately for a full service, I would still be THOUSANDS ahead. Good thing for me, my 312 runs fantastic and doesn't need a trip to the doctor!

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

Hey guys

Seems like things have gone off topic a bit.

I know this sounds silly but yes I did buy from an AD but I'm a cynical person and wonder if something really dodgy could have happened such as the staff switching it for a fake. I know it sounds far fetched but I don't have any experience with Panerai so wouldn't really know.

The watch did come with box and papers, etc except the part where you are write to write in the name of the buyer and the individual watch number is blank. It does have a stamp from the AD though.

My only remaining concern is that the back of the case where the model numbers are inscribed is brushed metal on mine yet others seem to have a polished metal.

As for the other comments, yeah I have a small wrist and was looking for an oversized watch and personally the PAM is just the right size IMHO. To give you an idea I wear the rubber strap on the very last hole and the croc on second last :p

As for discounts. It's a bit harder I think in Australia because we don't have the competition that others have. The retial for 312 is 7.7kAUD so I got 10% off and I'm traveling overseas which meand I can claim another 10% off the 7k I paid. I had a look on the forums but even second hands seemed to ask for around 6k so I thought I'd but myself a brand new one.

Basically in Australia everything is a rip off lol. Just look at the prices of our cars!!!

There is NO Authorized Dealer that is going to risk loosing their dealership rights or possible prison time by handing off a fake/replica watch. Stop being paranoid and enjoy the 1000% legit watch from an AUTHORIZED dealer. Nothing to worry about, except where your next strap is going to be ordered from!

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

On my 320--which is a 312 with GMT--the edges of the case back are brushed. The only polished surface is the front bezel. Writing on the caseback varies. Yours is upside down, mine is sideways. Besides, its a display back and you can see the movement to verify its authenticity.

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-RJ

I'm a bit late on this one, but congrats on the purchase. You've got nothing to worry about, I'm looking at my 312 right now (also from an Australian AD) and it looks just the same as yours. Plus, as others have said, if it came from an AD it's genuine.