Is this correct?

I am disappointed after having returned from the Panerai Boutique at Ion Orchard in Singapore. Since I received my PAM90 back from regulation, I paid particular attention to the watch and realized that the minute hand does not align correctly.

This is what I mean - the PAM90 uses the ETA Valjoux 7750 movement (common enough) which has a stop second hand. I pull the crown when the seconds hand stops at zero. I adjust the timing to 36 minutes in such a way that the minute hand points exactly at 36 (minutes). I depress the crown fully and let it run for 11 minutes. So when the seconds hand hits zero again after 11 minutes, the minute hand should be exactly pointing at 47. Problem is my PAM90 is pointing between 46 and 47. It is half way between 46 and 47.

So I brought my PAM90 back to the boutique today and asked the Boutique Assistant about this issue. She brought it into the room and came out and told me this - "The technician says that this is usual for this movement". So I was totally upset and asked her again whether this is the official explanation from Panerai. So she went back to ask the technician and came back and told me this - "The technician says this is usual for all automatic watches".

I am not a technical person but I do believe this to be wrong. Can anyone tell me if their Panerai watch has the same issue?

Thanks

using my Breitling Blacksteel Skyland Avenger as I do not have the PAM90 (most of my pam are historic models). The PAM90 is based on Valjoux 7750 (with additional PR function). The Skyland is using 7750 as it is (based on my understanding).

The first time when I tried, I had the same result as you. The 2nd time, it was ok as in the minute hand is aligned properly. Then when playing with the movement, I realised that there is indeed a 1/2 min (as in 1/2 of the minute marker) 'free-play'on the minute hand when one adjust the minute-hand. If I move the minute-hand, the first 1/2 min is very 'loose', before it gets tight. So it depends whether when one pushes in the crown, is the minute-hand at the start or at the end of the 1/2 min 'free-play'.
So my take is that this is normal.

As I am not a technical guy, maybe someone can explain it better in technical terms..


Cheers!

chua
Panerai Forum Moderator



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/13/2012 10:44AM by chuaks.

But I am still somewhat surprised that this is happening. But really thanks for trying it out on your watch.