ROLEX MADE FOR OFFICINE PANERAI | RADIOMIR "TYPE C", REFERENCE 3646 A STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH, CIRCA 1942

Dial: black aluminium "sandwich"Calibre: cal. 618 15 3/4'' mechanical, 17 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw-down case backCase number: 1'010'222Closure: brown original leather strap and stainless steel knife-edged buckleSize: 46.5 mm width x 46.5 mm lengthSigned: case, dial and movement

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The dial is in very attractive condition, has aged and spotted throughout. The luminous to the numerals has gone black, which is typically aging for this reference. The hands are oxidized and have most likely been relumed. The case is in very attractive and crisp condition. The case back still retains its nice original facets. The movement is a little discoloured. The strap with wear. The buckle also worn with losses. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The reference 3646 was manufactured by Rolex for Officine Panerai from 1938 to early 1950's and classified from Type A through to Type G. The present watch is from the "Type C" series, which was produced from 1942 to 1943 only. These watches were numbered by Rolex from between 1'010'091 to 1'010'374. "Type C" 3646 features a wider length of the lugs. The inner case back is engraved with the signature Rolex S.A. followed by the reference number and case number.

Reference 3646 "Type C" can be found with two different types of dials. The first generation of aluminium "Sandwich" dial and the second with a rivet dial. The aluminium "sandwich" dials were made of anodized aluminium, signed "RADIOMIR PANERAI" and was first introduced in 1941 or 1942 to replace the plastic rivet dial, a commercial failure in terms of durability and functionality.

The present reference is also distinguished by the unusual dark amber colouration of the luminious, this rare feature is cased by the different composition of the Radiomir luminous paint used in the first series of the dial. This phenomena is explained in Panerai - Una Storia Italiana by Luciano Capullo & Loris Pasetto as, "The colour of the markers in the dial plate sandwich dials varies from ochre or dark yellow to dark amber. It is likely that these differences arose from the varying zinc sulphide and radium bromide combinations in the Radiomir as the right balance of the two was only established after the delivery"