Collector's Pocket Watches, Wristwatc...

New York, Grand Havana Room, May 21, 2003

LOT 252

Officine Panerai Firenze, "Radiomir Panerai", "8 Giorni Brevettato". Produced in 1956.Very rare and very large, water-resistant, 8-day power-reserve, stainless steel, military diving wristwatch with original water-repellent leather band and Panerai buckle.

USD 10,000 - 12,000

EUR 9,000 - 11,000

Sold: USD 19,550

C. three-body, polished and brushed, revolving and graduated bezel, concave lugs, case back with 6 screws, D. black with radium-coated Arabic numerals and indexes, auxiliary seconds dial on the 9. "Bâton" radium-coated hands. M. Cal. 16''' signed Angelus, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock-absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring.Dial, case and movement signed, case back inside engraved "MO.GPF 2/56", "BREVETTATO", "MATR. N.E.022".Diam. 61 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

A limited series of 50 examples was produced in February of 1956 for the Egyptian Navy Commandos. All of the Officine Panerai watches were equipped with 16''' Rolex or Angelus Cal. 240 movements (recognizable by the auxiliary seconds dial at 9) and were guaranteed water-resistant down to 20 atmospheres. The security lever on the crown not only offered increased water-protection, but also allowed winding the watch under water. This lot is remarkable not only for its security lever but also forts 8-day movement which allowed divers to operate under water longer than with any other diving watch. Of the 50 pieces delivered to the Egyptian Navy Commandos, some were still in use by Egyptian military forces up until the 1980's.