Penelope Andrews
Head of Department
Lot 88
Rolex, made for Officine Panerai. A very rare stainless steel oversized military manual wind wristwatch
Radiomir, Ref:3646, Serial No.101****, Circa 1940
Amended
14 December 2016, 14:00 GMT
London, New Bond StreetSold for £45,000 inc. premium
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Jonathan Darracott
Global Head
Rolex, made for Officine Panerai. A very rare stainless steel oversized military manual wind wristwatch
Radiomir, Ref:3646, Serial No.101****, Circa 1940
17-jewel manual wind movement, matte black sandwich dial with baton hour markers and Arabic numeral quarters, blued steel pointed baton hands with luminous inserts, polished cushion form case with screw down back, screw down crown, fixed wire lugs, fitted brown leather strap with polished buckle, together with Panerai Certificate of Authenticity, case and movement signed Rolex, dial signed Panerai
47mm.
17-jewel manual wind movement, matte black sandwich dial with baton hour markers and Arabic numeral quarters, blued steel pointed baton hands with luminous inserts, polished cushion form case with screw down back, screw down crown, fixed wire lugs, fitted brown leather strap with polished buckle, together with Panerai Certificate of Authenticity, case and movement signed Rolex, dial signed Panerai
47mm.
Footnotes
During the 1930's the Royal Italian Navy started discussion with Panerai for the design of a watch resistant to extreme conditions while at the same time keeping accurate time.
From approximately 1938 onwards the reference 3646 was produced. The size, 47mm, was one of the largest of its kind. The manual wind Cal.618 movements and waterproof cases were supplied by Rolex; the dials were formed of two discs, a lower one coated with luminous material which was visible through the cut out numerals in the black upper disc. This is known to collectors as the 'Sandwich dial'.
Saleroom notices
Please note this watch does not have a sandwich dial. The dial is inserted with luminous material.