Important Collectors’ Wristwatches an...

Hôtel Plaza Athénée - Le Trianon, Sep 28, 2005

LOT 102

A collection of rare Italian Navy memorabilia relating to Officine Panerai:

USD 1,000 - 1,500

EUR 800 - 1,200

Sold: USD 5,175

Comprising 3 brass and wood Armorial plaques. A model of the Italian Navy?s 1940s manned torpedo, the ?Siluro a lenta corsa (S. L. C.)? in black metal on a stand. The book: ?I Mezzi D?Assaltoto Della Xa Flottiglia Mas 1940 ? 1945? by Marco Spertini and Erminio Bagnasco, Edizione Speciale 1991, two other military books and a Panerai diver?s compass for retoration. All in very good condition.


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Notes

Anselmo Grimoldi : Has worked in the field of horology for over 50 years with an enormous amount of passion, curiosity and dedication. He has recently launched his own brand of watches and jewellery bearing the name ?Grimoldi?. In the early 1980s he was introduced to a former military man Dr. Rossi who told him the story of the unique instrument maker that is The Officine Panerai. This story fascinated him and led to his spending the next 25 years searching for the elusive original models made for the naval commandos of the Italian navy as well as the commandos of other Mediterranean navies. This impressive collection comprises examples of all of the various types made utilizing both Rolex and Angelus movements including the ?Egyptian Commando? and the only example of a vintage left handed Panerai. Anselmo Grimoldis belife in this brand lead to him approching 3 admirals when they took control of The Officine Panerai to negotiate the sole distrubution rights for Milan which they granted him. Later when the company was bought by the Richemont group he his close friend Angelo Bonati who took over the day to day operations of the company, and often askes Grimaldi his oppinion as a world rekowned expert on the brand. When asked what he felt about selling his collection he said ? I feel sad to separate myself from my collection, however thanks to the devotion and expertise of the team at Antiquorum I am sure they will find new homes with other passionate collectors such as myself who are on a constant search for these exceptionally rare watches with a story as unique and original as their design?.