Panerai / Rolex

• cal. 15''' manual winding nickel lever Rolex movement, 17 jewels • metal dust cap • tropical sandwich dial, luminous Arabic numerals and baton indexes, luminous hands • stainless steel brushed and polished Radiomir case, screw-down back • dial signed, case and movement signed Rolex 

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. Movement running while cataloguing. Extremely attractive tropical dial, indexes with cracks but no loss. Case partly refinished and satined (to the lugs, slightly between the lugs and part of the case), with usual scuffs and dents due to age, some wear between the lugs probably caused by strap wear and sympathetically tidied. The look of the watch may be enhanced by repolishing. Small chip to the glass at 6. Buckle probably later. Rare and fantastic watch. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species; please refer to important notices for further information.**
"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 the early 1950s, Ref. 6152 and 6154 replaced Ref. 3646, the first Radiomir Panerai produced by Rolex for  Officine Panerai. The Florence based company had received a commission from the Royal Italian Navy to produce a military-grade wristwatch which would, not only keep exact time, but also withstand a harsh maritime environment. The new models had their case made from a single block of steel with sturdier lugs, replacing the older wire lugs.

The Ref. 6152/1 distinguishes itself from Ref. 6152 in that its case is slightly larger and is therefore able to carry either the Rolex cal. 618 or the Angelus cal. 240, protected from magnetic fields by an iron cap. The reference and the serial number are engraved between the lugs, respectively at 6 and 12. Further to this, the interior of the case back is signed "Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Switzerland Patented Stainless Steel Swiss Made 6152 1".

It is estimated that, in total, 300 examples of Ref. 6152/1 were created from which only a few have resurfaced.

The present lot features one of the most attractive Panerai by Rolex tropical dials to have ever been presented at auction.
Carefully preserved by its previous owner, this fantastic piece can be considered as being part of a very limited group of extraordinary pieces such as the Panerai "Birindelli" case 12948 (Sotheby's Geneva, 14 May 2014, lot 298, sold for CHF 425,000) or the Panerai case 124563 (Sotheby's New York, 10 December 2013, lot 197, sold for USD 203,000).

For further information please refer to:
Dino Zei and Mario Paci, Panerai Watches, p. 115.
Luciano Cipullo and Loris Pasetto, Panerai - Una Storia Italiana, pp. 188-277.

For further information regarding Milatary Panerai:
Konrad Knirim, Military Timepieces,  pp. 271-277.
Zygmunt Wesolowski, Military Timepieces, pp. 164-167.