FAQ
FAQ — CFP WatchStudio Projects
Are CFP WatchStudio watches original Panerai watches?
This watch is partially based on original Panerai components, but it is not offered as a fully original factory-assembled Panerai watch. It has been professionally restored and reassembled by an independent watch studio and is supplied with a box and warranty card.
CFP WatchStudio creates independent restoration and custom watch projects, often based on original Panerai components, restored donor parts, CFP-produced components, and carefully selected replacement movements.
Any reference to Panerai is used only to identify the origin or compatibility of certain components.
Is CFP WatchStudio affiliated with Panerai?
No. CFP WatchStudio is an independent watch restoration and customization studio.
We are not affiliated with, authorized by, sponsored by, or officially connected to Panerai or Richemont Group.
What does “based on original Panerai components” mean?
It means that some components used in the project may be original Panerai parts, such as:
- case
- dial
- caseback
- hands
- crown guard
- movement parts, when available
However, the final watch may also include restored, replaced, aftermarket, or CFP-produced components. Each watch description explains what has been used in that specific project.
Are the movements original Panerai calibres?
Not always.
Some projects may use original or restored Panerai/OP movements. Other projects may use Swiss ETA-based or CFP DB9 hand-wound movements, depending on availability and the technical condition of the donor watch or components.
When a non-factory movement is installed, this is clearly disclosed in the product description.
Example wording:
Movement: CFP DB9 hand-wound calibre, independent ETA 6497-based architecture, extended power reserve, not a Panerai factory calibre.
Can Panerai service these watches?
Possibly not.
Because these watches may be restored, modified, reassembled, or fitted with non-factory components, the original manufacturer may refuse service, inspection, authentication, or repair.
For this reason, CFP WatchStudio provides its own workshop support and warranty.
Do CFP WatchStudio watches come with a warranty?
Yes. Each CFP WatchStudio project is supplied with a 1-year CFP workshop warranty, unless otherwise stated.
The warranty covers normal mechanical operation of the watch movement under regular use.
What is not covered by the warranty?
The warranty does not cover:
- water damage
- shock or impact damage
- damage caused by dropping the watch
- unauthorized opening or repair
- damage caused by misuse
- strap wear
- cosmetic wear after purchase
- manufacturer refusal to service or authenticate the watch
- customs, taxes, or shipping delays
Vintage, restored, and customized watches should be treated carefully and should not be exposed to water unless explicitly tested and confirmed.
Are the straps, buckles, and boxes original Panerai?
No, unless clearly stated otherwise.
Most straps, buckles, and presentation boxes supplied with CFP WatchStudio watches are CFP-produced or aftermarket accessories. They are included as part of our independent workshop presentation.
Are the watches waterproof?
Our watches do not carry a factory water-resistance guarantee from Panerai.
However, unless stated otherwise, the watch is tested for basic water resistance and can be used for normal everyday contact with water. Light swimming is acceptable up to approximately 10 meters, but the watch should not be used as a professional diving watch.
We do not recommend sauna, hot showers, high-pressure water, deep diving, or strong water exposure, as heat and pressure can affect the seals of any restored or customized watch.
Do you provide documents?
Each watch is supplied with CFP WatchStudio documentation, which may include:
- CFP warranty card
- CFP workshop notes
- component description
- presentation box
- purchase invoice, where applicable
Original manufacturer papers are included only if clearly stated in the product description.
Can I resell a CFP WatchStudio watch later?
Yes, but it should be resold honestly as a CFP WatchStudio restoration/custom project, not as a factory-original Panerai watch.
Collectors and dealers may value customized or reassembled watches differently from fully original factory examples.
Do you buy donor watches or parts?
Yes. CFP WatchStudio is interested in damaged, incomplete, non-working, or donor watches and original components for restoration and future workshop projects.
We are especially interested in Panerai Luminor Base and Luminor Marina components, including cases, dials, hands, casebacks, crown guards, and mechanical movements.
This is part of our CFP Restoration Sourcing Program.
What kind of donor watches do you accept?
We may consider:
- damaged watches
- incomplete watches
- watches without movement
- watches with broken movement
- donor cases
- original dials
- original hands
- original casebacks
- original OP / ETA-based movement parts
- restoration projects
Each item is reviewed individually.
Can I trade in a damaged watch?
Yes. In some cases, we may offer a direct purchase, trade-in credit, or restoration proposal depending on the condition and parts available.
The final value depends on originality, condition, completeness, and usability of the components.
Why choose CFP WatchStudio?
CFP WatchStudio focuses on independent restoration, transparent customization, and mechanical watch projects based on carefully selected components.
Our goal is to give new life to damaged, incomplete, or no longer factory-standard watches while clearly explaining what has been restored, replaced, or customized.
Important Notice
CFP WatchStudio watches are independent restoration/custom projects.
They are not presented as factory-original Panerai watches unless explicitly stated. Any brand names mentioned are used only to describe component origin, compatibility, or design reference.
CFP WatchStudio is not affiliated with Panerai.