NOT SOLD. Panerai: A gentleman's wristwatch of steel. Model Radiomir, ref. 3646 Type E. Mechanical movement with manual winding, Rolex cal. 618 Cortébert. 1944.

896/116

A gentleman's wristwatch of steel. Model Radiomir, ref. 3646 Type E. Mechanical movement with manual winding, Rolex cal. 618 Cortébert. Black ''anonymous'' dial with patinated yellowed hour markers and hands. Brown strap with C-type buckle of steel. Watch diameter 47 mm. 1944.

To meet the demands of the Frogman Commandos of the Royal Italian Navy, Officine Panerai created the Radiomir model in the late 1930s, which was equipped with a radium-based powder that gave luminescence to the numerals and indices, giving the watch improved underwater visibility. Upon further inspection, this rare reference 3646 is equipped with an anonymous movement and dial. This is due to the manufacturer Cortébert making movements for Rolex, who weren't interested in providing their signature on watches that were used during WWII. The 3646 Type E model together with this movement can be dated to production in 1944.

Case back no. 261111, equipped with a Brevet crown.

Auction

Wristwatches, 15 September 2020