How to Tell if a Panerai Watch Is Real or Fake?
How can you tell?
Counterfeit luxury watches are a major issue in the watch market. These knockoffs often use poor materials and craftsmanship, tricking buyers into thinking they’ve found a great deal. Nowadays the only real way to truly know is to have it checked by experienced watchmaker . Before buying or selling a Panerai watch and trying to find a place to confirm its real , follow these easy steps to verified the time piece is genuine.
Table of Contents
1. Locate Your Panerai Watch Serial Number
The serial number is the key to verifying your Panerai watch. It has two parts:
- First part: Two letters (e.g., OP) followed by four digits.
- Second part: Two letters (e.g., PL) followed by seven digits.
If you have the original box and papers, you can find the serial number on:
- The warranty card or booklet
- The movement or caseback sticker
- The sticker on the outside of the box
If you don’t have the original packaging, check the back of the case. Panerai engraves the serial number directly onto the metal. It’s usually in the center of the caseback or on the outer edge if it has a transparent caseback. On some models, it might be between the lugs, where the strap connects to the case. In this case, you may need to remove the strap.
Note: This guide doesn’t apply to vintage Panerai watches made before 1997. Some early models used Rolex cases, and the serial number can be found between the lugs.
2. Create an Account on Panerai’s Website
To fully access these Panerai’s services, create an account on their website. This lets you access exclusive content, discover the latest releases, and register your watch. Visit Panerai.com and follow the steps to create a new account. Panerai.com.
3. Register Your Watch with Panerai Pamguard
After setting up your account, log in and go to “My Collection” in the “My Account” section. Click “Add” to register your watch. You can scan your warranty card or enter the serial number manually. If your watch is authentic, you’ll see information about your timepiece, including the model and reference number.
If you’ve entered the serial number incorrectly or the watch is fake, the page will say, “We are sorry. We cannot find this product’s serial number.” If the watch is real but not previously registered, you’ll see a prompt to upload a picture of the warranty card. Even if you don’t have the original documentation, Pamguard will still recognize a valid serial number.
If a image of the watch you have appears, visually confirm it it matches the look of your watch. if no image appears in the PamGuard look up the Reference number to cross reference, to confirm the appearance is the same.
Final Thoughts
While it’s best to have a watch authenticated by a professional, following these steps is a quick and easy way to verify if your Panerai is real. By locating the serial number and registering it with Panerai Pamguard, you can protect your investment and add value when buying or selling a watch.
Personal Experience:
I bought a Panerai without its original box and papers. After registering it, I found out it was still covered by a three-year warranty!
At Capturing Watches, we always include an image of the Pamguard Certificate with our E-commerce Watch Photography for Panerai watches. Whether you’re buying or selling, registering your watch is always a smart move.
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