Panerai/Rolex

• Rolex cal. 618 manual winding nickel lever movement, 17 jewels, some carried in chatons • sandwich dial, baton and Arabic indexes, blued steel luminescent hands • large stainless steel case, fixed wire lugs, domed crystal, inscribed screw down case back, bezel and crown • dial signed Panerai, case signed Oyster Watch Co.

The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. Case in overall fair vintage condition with wear, marking, and scuffing consistent with age and use. Soldered lugs with some warping and oxidation to the soldered areas. Case back with markings and inscribed " CAPT. J.M. COLTART 2ND GORDON HLDRS. 15TH SCOTTISH DIVISION TESPAHUDE. THE ELBE 1945." Crown threads with some oxidation.
"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 Royal Italian Navy began commissioning pieces such as the present lot from Panerai in the mid 1930s.  The firm then developed the Radiomir Type B, ref 3646 for the Navy's frogmen, who specialized in under water military missions.  The exceptional reference 3646 could withstand extreme elements while simultaneously keeping accurate time.  The company utilized Rolex movements for these watches, as Rolex had already perfected the waterproof wristwatch with their Rolex Oyster.  Radiomir Type B models were all produced under Oyster Watch Co, and bear a small stamp of the brand on the inner case back.

The present lot was acquired by Captain John Maxted Coltart, a member of the Black Watch Regiment and the Gordon Highlanders of the 15th Scottish Regiment. He participated in the critical crossing of the Elbe in April 1945, and upon completion of his duties he returned with several souvenirs from the war. The back of the present Panerai 3646 is thusly engraved commemorating the last battle Coltart took part in. The watch survives with an intense darkening of the sandwich dial numerals and all the original parts of its complex screwed-in case.