I know this post has been going on for some time now, but this is really a very tragic expolitation of horrendous customer service. I know also.....that the Panerai lovers (myself included) will come to defend panerai and say this is a "unique" situation. That's BS! For a brand that hold itself out as one of the most premier brands backed by one of the largest watch parent companies, this is unacceptable on any level. Sure, we can all have issues with our watches, that's the situation we all face with such intricated detailed pieces. However; the customer service to each and every single owner WORLDWIDE must be backed by superior customer service AND communication. This is really a disgrace and quite frankly brings second thoughts to my mind about buying aother Panerai. Honestly.
I have had almost every other warch brand out there, each one has their own :quirkiness". My JLC was sent back 4 times!! before I said enough and returned it only to never buy another. I gotta tell you....I have several Rolex's that by the way i almost abuse. Never one issue with one! not one! I have a sub my paernts gave me at 16 still, serviced once!! once! still keeps perect time. Oh and not to get sidetracked, but the times i have sent the others for service, the watch was returned in a very timely manner AND i had the ability to check on the status via my AD.
Anyways, in a world which it has become increasingly difficult to make money and the world economies are essentially collapsing, when we choose to spend our hard earned dollars on a watch and treat ourselves, we also expect the appropriate service to follow that purchase.
Panerai, you have terrific watches, they are super cool and I love them. Do the right thing by this person and handle the situation with the same standards as you would expect from others. Poor customer service and this type of reputation can not be overcome by beautiful botiques. We wont stand for it and there is far too much competetion.
Just my two cents because I love the brand and I would prefer to read stories of joy and happiness within these forums.
Panerai, Handle it! replace the guys watch, don;t fix it! you don't fix a new watch! It's the right thing to do and then the forums will be abuzz of how curteous and professional Panerai was and provide us all with a superior level of confidence that is this ever happens to one of us, at least we know we purchased a product that the manufacturer stands behind. Your lack of response and timely replacement is an admission of you NOT standing behind your product.
Again, just my opinion. Sorry for the rant!