Important Collectors’ Wristwatches an...

Hôtel Plaza Athénée - Le Trianon, Sep 28, 2005

LOT 111

So-called "Rolex Panerai" Officine Panerai, No. 260519, Ref. 3646, first generation. Made in 1943. Very fine and extremely rare, large, cushionshaped, water-resistant, stainless steel military diver's wristwatch.

USD 40,000 - 50,000

EUR 33,000 - 40,000

Sold: USD 69,000

C. Signed Rolex, three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, wire lugs. D. Black with radium-coated mixed Arabic, Roman, bâton and triangular indexes. Radium-coated blued steel "bâton" hands. M. Cal. 15 3/4''', signed Rolex, rhodium-plated, "fausses côtes" decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, Breguet balance-spring. Dim. 47 x 47 mm. Thickness: 15 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-6

Good

Slightly oxidized

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

For a note about this reference, see lot 109. 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?.