I would really like to know the history of this watch…
In the early days of me hanging around Panerai in Firenze, I was told how some WWII Radiomir Panerai ended...… It is said and known that when the Comsubin (Marina Militare Italy) realized that the Radiomir wristwatches were radioactive and no longer authorized, they decided to dump deep in the Mediterranean (military water off La Spezia, Italy) a block of concrete containing a certain amount of those Radiomir Panerai 3646
This watch soon to be auctioned, sure makes me thing that some guy(s) may have just dive deep… could be no?
One thing for sure this watch must have some stories I would want to know…
Sotheby’s London 28 September 2006 – Lot 178
Text and images from Sotheby’s
A RARE STAINLESS STEEL OVERSIZED CUSHION DIVER'S WRISTWATCH, ROLEX, PRODUCED FOR OFFICINE PANERAI, REF. 3646, CIRCA 1943
circular nickel lever movement, 17 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance, black matt dial, luminescent Arabic and baton numerals, luminous hands, large cushion-form water-resistant-type case with screw-down raised chamfered bezel, wire lugs, screw-down crown and case back, case, dial and movement signed Rolex, with a massive matching buckle
For a similar example, see Dowling & Hess, The Best of Time: Rolex, p. 186. Starting in World War II, Rolex manufactured several models of large diving watches for the Italian company, Panerai, to be used by the Italian Navy Frogmen. These watches feature large calibre movements and military style black dials with luminous numerals. Though these watches are considered Rolex, they are also thought of as the first models by Panerai. In 1993, Panerai re-emerged introducing limited re-editions of several models from their past. In 1997, the company was purchased by the Vendome Luxury Group, who made a significant effort turning the brand into one of the most collectible names in modern watches.
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