Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Nov 11, 2012

LOT 256

ROLEX PANERAI, REF 3646 - ORIGINAL PROPERTY OF GASTONE RIDOLFI Rolex, case No. 260605, Ref. 3646, first generation. Made in a limited edition of 720 pieces for the Italian Navy Commandos in 1943. Very fine and extremely rare, large, cushion-shaped, water-resistant, stainless steel military diver's wristwatch. Accompanied by a service invoice from Panerai dated 1999 and an original signed photography showing the divers wearing a Radiomir.

CHF 50,000 - 70,000

USD 53,000 - 75,000 / EUR 4,200 - 58,000

Sold: CHF 92,500

C. Signed Rolex, three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, wire lugs. D. Black with luminous Arabic numerals and baton indexes. Luminous blued steel baton hands. M. Cal. 16''', signed Rolex, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Case and movement signed. Dim. 47 x 47 mm. Thickness: 15 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

With the increased popularity of vintage Rolex/Panerai Radiomir it is extremely rare to fi nd examples that have stayed in the hands of the original family since new. The watch is accompanied by a hand-signed vintage photography showing three members of the commando team, one of them wearing a Radiomir on his wrist. According to our research, this photo was sent to the original owner as a souvenir of their times as military divers. As it is very often the case, the plastic crystal had crazed badly and in 1999, the family decided to send it to Offi cine Panerai for service in 1999. The relatively high cost of the service for the time (2'500'000 Italian Liras) is most probably the indication that the family wanted to watch to survive through the times, so they asked Panerai to fi t the watch with a new bezel that could support a mineral crystal to ensure its waterproof abilities. In excellent overall condition and with great provenance, a great fi nd for any military collector.