Rolex made for Officine Panerai

• Rolex cal. 618 manual winding nickel lever movement, 17 jewels • black dial, Arabic and baton numerals • large cushion-form case, wire lugs, screw down case back, bezel and crown • case signed Oyster Watch Co., dial signed Radiomir Panerai, movement signed Rolex

The movement will run when wound at the time of cataloguing, however we recommend service for accurate timekeeping. There is loss of finish to the movement plates. The dial has aged and there is some loss of finish and form to the outer edges. There is a tiny rivet to each side of the central arbor that were inserted to prevent deformation of the dial. The hands are not original. The case is in overall good condition with light scratches and general wear. The crown is not original. There are a couple of small dents to one side of the bezel. The inside of the case back is stamped Oyster Watch Co. All stamps to the inside, including case and reference number, are in crisp legible condition.
"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."

In 1938, Rolex produced the first Radiomir Panerai on behalf of Officine Panerai. The Florence based company had received a commission from the Royal Italian Navy to produce a military-grade wristwatch, which not only would keep precise time, but would also withstand severe elements. The production of Ref. 3646 continued until the early 1950s when it was replaced by Ref. 6152.

The present lot is a very early example that features a dial rarely found. These first dials made for Panerai tended to deform when exposed to excessive heat. The solution was to insert two rivets in the dial, as seen in this example, to better stabilize it.

For examples of Ref. 3646, see Goldberger, J., 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, pp. 30-31. For a further discussion, see Knirim, Konrad, Military Timepieces, pp. 271-277.