Important Collectors’ Wristwatches an...

Hôtel Plaza Athénée - Le Trianon, Sep 28, 2005

LOT 117

"Luminor? Officine Panerai, ?Luminor?, Ref. 6152-1. Made in the late 1950s for the Italian Navy. Fine and very rare, large, cushion-shaped, water-resistant, stainless steel military diver?s wristwatch.

USD 40,000 - 50,000

EUR 33,000 - 40,000

Sold: USD 50,600

C. Signed Rolex, three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back, straight lugs, winding-crown with security lever, anti-magnetic dust-cap. D. Two plate; black upper plate with pierced Arabic numerals and indexes over a luminous-coated lower plate. Radium-coated "bâton" hands. M. Cal. 15 3/4''', signed Rolex, rhodiumplated, "fausses côtes" decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shockabsorber, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring. Dial signed Panerai; case and movement signed Rolex. Dim. 47 x 47 mm. Thickness 18 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-6-11

Good

Slightly oxidized

Slightly worn

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 3-05

Good

HANDS Luminous material reapplied

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?.