The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I almost choked when I received the first email that said that they weren't able to get one through their normal connections (I believe to be the local Panerai store) but they do know where there might be one for sale for $20,000!!!!

Then a couple hours later they emailed me saying, they talked to another source that said that they haven't been released yet but when they are released they will only be going to the botiques and that they would be priced at $5000 to $10,000 ABOVE MSRP!!!

I will respond tonight when I have access to a real PC, but Holy _____! I am a bit pissed off about it. One because I had already conceeded that I would not get any kind of discount through my non-Panerai, AD Breitling dealer, but that the local Panerai dealer appears to be doubling the price on MSRP to sell LE's with a high demand.

BUMMER!!

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

I am 100% certain that Panerai ADs are not allowed to sell above list by their dealership agreement - that's standard with all manufacturers. If they are doing that then either they are breaching their contract or the store owner / manager is buying the watch and selling privately. Either way I suspect that Panerai would like to hear about it.

I've seen one on a forum listed for $17K but I dont know what retail is.

_________________
Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

I've heard that within a week of owning the bronzo, it patinas to look like its 100 yrs old. Not sure why anyone would want that??? That would annoy the crap out of me.

_________________
"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

The Panerai boutique will not be charging above retail. Actually, they are extremely strict with these kinds of things. I was talking to the guy at the Beverly Hills boutique, and he told me that the super limited models will only go to good customers. Not only that, he said that there in an unspoken agreement that the buyer is not allowed to flip the watch for a profit. He mentioned that a customer recently got some exlusive model from them and they found out that he had it listed for sale for something like double what he paid. Obviously they have no recourse, but he told me that the guy was blacklisted from buying any limited models from them in the future.

_________________
-RJ

Here is the reply email I just sent them. I don't know if it's the Panerai dealer or my Breitling AD that is "marking it up" but it pisses me off. Looks like I will just have to envy Altair (and possibly Roff) when they get theirs.

"Some of these have already been purchased by their new owners (seeing them on the internet forums and have been for a month or so) so they have started shipping them out. I knew that the Panerai Boutiques were the ones slated to receive an allotment of them (1-5) but is was also rumored that any Panerai dealer could place an order for them if it was soon enough to beat the “sell out”. But I don’t know for sure if that is 100% true.

Either way, it is a violation of their dealership agreement for any Panerai Boutique or employee of a boutique to “flip” a high demand watch, as well….soooo. I don’t know what the deal is, but I will not be paying any more than MSRP for this watch. I guess I might have to wait a year for the new to wear off and pick up a used one at or below MSRP.

Thanks for checking, but I am not interesting in a watch from a “flipper” that wants to double their money. "

Sergio, that "staining and patina" on the Bronzo, is actually something that appeals to me. I love the fact that it will look antiqued. To each his own...

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

I'm not an antique type so that's probably why I can't get into the look.

_________________
"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

Totally agree. The pics I've seen of "patinated" Bronzos looks absolutely hideous to me. But yes it's each to their own.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

these things look huge. I saw a submerisble once at the AD and the thing is as thick as a phonebook.

That’s ridiculous! I can’t imagine how they expect to maintain customers that way! I would never buy from a retailer who tries to rip me off in that way, it’s just bad business practice.

My Bronzo should arrive tonight, I got it for 15% off, my AD knows fully well that they can sell it for retail, or buy it and sell it personally for another 40% above retail, but I have bought 10 watches from them in the last year, and will probably buy a few more next year, the accumulated profit from my repeated business exceeds that significantly, and I will keep referring friends and family to them simply based on my trust in their business practices and customer service, even though they don’t necessarily offer the very best discounts across the board.

I say stay away from that AD, find a good trusted retailer that carries a number of brands that you are interested in and build a relationship with them, such as Govbergs or Zadok. And in the case of Panerai, make sure you place an order for any LE as soon as it is announced, you can always cancel later or sell for a profit if you have a change of heart (it is pretty much impossible to get a Bronzo from a retailer two days after launch, let alone now). On the upside, looking at how popular the Bronzo is, you can be sure to see more Bronze PAMs released in the next few years, similarly to the composite material. Maybe another variation of the PAM 312 in bronze…..

As an aside, the patinad look of the Bronzo is the whole point, this is not a first, second, or seventh watch, its something you get after going through a collection of watches, and a few Panerais, and are looking for something different and with a unique look, I think Panerai did a great job creating a freakish watch that does not go too far.

_________________
Certified watch nut.

Incidentally, there was a Bronzo sold last week by a private seller on The Purists. It was offered at $15,900 but don't know whether he actually got that.

Oh I completely agree - it's just that for me it wouldn't be a 7th, 50th or 1000th watch. If it would stay with the factory finish then I'd love it, but weathered/oxidised bronze has a horrible rough finish IMO, that just doesn't do it for me. But as I say, each to their own.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Couldn't agree more. If it kept the factory finish then it would be pretty spectacular. I also don't agree with a lot of risti's who say 'oh this shouldn't be your first Panerai'. I've heard people, some in this thread actually, say that a 312 shouldn't be a first Pam, a base should come first. I disagree with that thought process, buy what you like for you first, 10th, and or whatever number you're on.

_________________
"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

watchuwant has one for just under 22k
http://www.watchuwant.com/watches/paner ... m-titanium

_________________
I shop at (Andrew Michaels Jewelle's )