Panerai

Radiomir, Reference 3646 ‘Type C’ | A stainless steel wristwatch with tropical dial, Circa 1941

Auction Closed

April 24, 04:23 PM GMT

Estimate

300,000 - 600,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN

Panerai

Radiomir, Reference 3646 ‘Type C’

A stainless steel wristwatch with tropical dial, Circa 1941

Dial: brown tropical

Calibre: cal. 618 mechanical, 17 jewels

Case: stainless steel, screw down case back

Case number: 1’010’269

Closure: brown unsigned leather strap and stainless steel buckle

Size: 47 mm diameter

Signed: dial, case and movement signed Rolex

Accessories: none

The Panerai 3646 is in many ways, the beginning of the Panerai brand itself. It starts with Guido Panerai patenting the Radiomir name in 1915. Not a watch, or a design, but rather a patent for a unique radium based paste or lume that would glow incredibly brightly. Guido ran G. Panerai e Figlio, operating a highly regarded watch shop in Florence, Italy. Appropriately named ‘Orologeria Svizzera’, the Panerai family retailed watches from the likes of Longines, Vacheron-Constantin, and of course – Rolex. While Panerai had been a supplier to the Italian Navy, they were not watchmakers themselves.

Allegedly under the request of the Italian military, who out of nationalist pride was seeking to equip their forces with Italian-Made machinery, Guido Panerai placed an order for a large Rolex Oyster case model. That initial 47 mm watch was essentially a Rolex pocket watch with wire lugs, and passed naval testing with flying colours. That first watch laid the groundwork for what would become the first ‘true’ Panerai, the reference 3646.

The present reference 3646 belongs to the ‘Type C’ category. While Panerai had already begun using its signature ‘sandwich’ dial design earlier in the Type B, those dials were made of plastic and often subject to warping due to the intense radiation exposure. It was within the Type C that Panerai replaced plastic with aluminium. The dial is still signed “Radiomir Panerai” as these were made before the Nazi occupation. Later Type D dials would almost all become anonymous, as Panerai did not wish to be associated with the Nazis. The present lot is more than a watch, it is an authentic and undeniable piece of both Panerai and European war history.

沛納海 Radiomir 型號3646 ‘Type C’

精鋼腕錶，備棕色錶盤，約1941年製

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."