Lot 19
  • 19

Panerai

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 CHF
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Description

  • AN RARE OVERSIZED STAINLESS STEEL CUSHION-FORM WRISTWATCH WITH BLACK LACQUER 'CALIFORNIA DIAL'CIRCA 1950 REF 3646
  • width 47 mm
• manual winding nickel lever movement, 17 jewels • black lacquer dial, Roman numerals to the upper half and Arabic to the bottom, luminescent hands • cushion-form case, screw-down crown and case back, wire lugs • case numbered

Condition

The manual movement is running at the time of cataloguing however it may benefit from a service soon. The numerals are discoloured and the hands are a little rusted. The case has scuffs but overall is in good condition. Inside the case back is numbered 960870.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

In 1935, the Italian Navy ordered from Panerai a water and pressure resistant watch with dial which was visible by night and in deep water for their secret unit the "1a Flottiglia MAS" (1st MAS Fleet). The manufacture came up with a prototype called a Radiomir. This name comes from the luminescent varnish used for the indexes, made with zinc sulfide, mesothorium and radium bromide patented by Guido Panerai in 1915.
The first Radiomir series was launched around 1938 with a cushion form metal case of 47mm width, solid lugs and a dial with luminescent Roman and Arabic numerals, so called "California" dial. The movement was a Rolex calibre 618. The production of Ref. 3646 continued until the early 1950s, when it was replaced by Ref. 6152.