New to Me PAM48 with great accuracy and no service for 18 years

[PaneraiPete]

First post here and my first Panerai. I have "collected" Omega and Rolex for decades.

I picked up a very nice PAM48 and I am amazed at how well it is running. Here it is on the Timegrapher. According to the seller (original purchaser in 2006) it has never been serviced. Movement looks nice to me.

[Don Philbino]

Holy ****!

[PaneraiPete]

I was shocked myself. On the wrist it is dead on accurate.

[Chrisfrombyron]

Without a service and fresh lube eventually you will get metal to metal contact and the movement will require much more that a regular service .
If I was selling a watch that was 16 years old with zero maintenance its not exactly something I would advise the purchaser .

[PaneraiPete]

Th e price was too good to pass up. My local watchmaker will overhaul for $250. I’ll wait though till amplitude slows down. This watch was obviously a safe queen. Upon inspection oils still present and not dried up. Super stoked since it’s the first pre-loved watch I have bought that had zero issues.

The 40mm size is perfect for me and these older PAMS with ETA movements will be much cheaper and easier to service than the “in house” modern Panerai movements.

[Warchesforristis]

The famous phrase of unitas tank! I guess he left this great forum many years ago.
I have seen quite a few vintage Panerai without any service and working perfectly.