New Panerai 372 - what to pay?

[T S Magnum]

For the last 18 months I've been aiming at a new 372 for an approaching 'bigger' birthday. This will be a keeper for life. The most expensive watch I've bought to date is a pre-owned Seamaster for £700! I am finally visiting a dealer in Manchester on Jan 2nd, can't wait

I've heard there's currently a drop in new watch sales and it's a buyer's market. What sort of discount should I be going for? RRP is £7.3k.

Thanks for any help.

[T S Magnum]

I looked at pre-owned and at £5.5k it's a good saving. I thought it worth getting new for the significance, being a keeper.

[T S Magnum]

Thanks everyone, much appreciated. It's a pity prices are firm but at least now I know and won't be barking up the wrong tree.

I agree on the particular pre-owned price mentioned above and have made inquiries.

[T S Magnum]

That's all well and good but I don't want a Rolex

I have a couple of G-Shocks, the Omega and an iPhone that give very reliable time keeping so that aspect is not the big driver in this purchase. I'm also not trying to impress.

Is a Rolex the watch equivalent of a mapped 335D or MX5? I certainly understand this 'why have anything else' logic (owning an MX5 and a 335D is evidence of that!) but I have wanted the Panerai for my coming birthday since seeing it in a magazine two years ago.

As an update, a kind tip sent as a PM has got me an excellent price and an order is placed. PH is great for this, thanks all.

[T S Magnum]

Thanks again for all the tips. I'm sure the negative comments come with good intentions but I intentionally only asked for buying advice as I have long since set my mind on the Panerai. That 'want' factor outweighs split-second accuracy. I am not a watch nut as such, just want a beautiful object as a life keeper.

My order is placed now. Hopefully getting the watch next week.

[T S Magnum]

Well Hammer definitely likes Panerai... No mention of poor quality / reliability in his experience

If I bond with mine even 1/10 as much as the bond he has I'll be a happy chap.

[T S Magnum]

Just to update things, the watch has arrived I sourced through Heritage Watches in the end. The communication could have been better but we got there in the end.

Beautiful watch.

[T S Magnum]

I read scratches can be easily polished out at a service.

[T S Magnum]

Thanks for the steer to your tread. Ouch, I will try to avoid a heavy drop. The option to easily swap straps is very appealing. I hear Toshi Straps are a good option. If anyone knows any others I'd be grateful to know. I was after a 'rough-round-the-edges' distressed look like this:

[T S Magnum]

Thanks for the advice. I intend to wear the Panerai as I currently do my Seamaster - all times other than sports or when there is a risk of damage when working / tinkering / gardening etc.

[T S Magnum]

Excellent links thanks guys. So much choice, I had no idea! I will see how the standard strap beds in, also give the rubber one a go at some point but I can see myself getting a couple more at least