Latest entry in our Vintage Panerai database is a Ref. 3646 / Type D with brass dial, located in the United Kingdom. According to the family of the british WW2 veteran, this watch has been brought from Germany at the end of the war and has been kept untouched for seventy years.

Features of the watch:
Reference: 3646 / Type D
Dial: “Kampfschwimmer”  (painted brass, anonymous)
Case number: 2608XX
Movement: Rolex Cal. 618 / Type 1

By the end of the year 2015 we have 377 records in our Vintage Panerai database.

Have a good start into 2016!
[Ralf Ehlers & Volker Wiegmann]

Sad news from Italy: Emilio Bianchi passed away on Saturday, august 15^th 2015 at the age of 103. We send our condolences to his family in Torre del Lago / Tuscany.

The Marina Militare published an online note on Sig. Bianchi’s funeral here. British online news “The Telegraph” published a note here. Italian online news “La Repubblica” published a note here.

Emilio Bianchi was the last living member of the “fab six” SLC commandos, who took part at the mission “G.A. 3” in December 1941. For being co-pilot of Luigi Durant De La Penne’s SLC221 against the “HMS Valiant” in the harbour of Alexandria / Egypt, he was awarded with the Italian Gold Medal for Gallantry at War (M.O.V.M.).

Emilio Bianchi took part on several Club Panerai meetings in Viareggio / Tuscany. The visit of the former training camp for SLC commandos during WW2, an old farm house at Bocca di Serchio, will remain unforgettable to Panerai enthusiasts who took part back in May 2005.

[photo: Emilio Bianchi with members of the Club Panerai meeting at Bocca di Serchio, 2005]

…another box in the “to do list” ticket: visited the Imperial War Museum in London and finally found some time to take a close look at one of the very few today existing “Human Torpedo” devices of the italian “Mezzi d’Assalto” forces in WW2: The legendary “Siluro San Bartholomeo” (SSB).

Another example is located in the United Kingdom at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport/Portsmouth Harbour, one is located in the United States at the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News/Virginia while one SSB remains in Italy at the museum of the Com.Sub.In. Comando in Varignano/La Spezia.

This particular SSB device – the “Delta No. 3” – was produced in February 1945 by Caproni in Milan. Other than the earlier, more known SLC devices (the “Maiali”), this later version hat a more streamlined shape in which both divers were sitting on seats, not “riding” as they did literally on the SLC torpedos’ body.

The SSB device measures almost seven meters in lenght with a weight of more than 2000 kilos. Armed with one (400 kg) or two removable explosive charges (180/200 kg) it was powered by an electric engine with 7,5 HP, reaching a speed of 4 knots.

The cockpit holds numerous instruments and control possibilities: Fore and aft level indicator, Ammeter, Pump revolution indicator, Motor control (4 forward speeds and reverse), a wheel type “joystick” as in an aircraft wheel controlled the rudder and the column controlled the diving fins (or elevators), trimming tank control, compass, depth gauge, diving tank pressure gauge and flooding valve. Pilot and Co-Pilot used knee clamps to sit tight on their seats during operation (the two knee clamps for the Pilot can be seen on the photo left and right from the motor control wheel).

During the research on our book “History2” we gathered some information about these SSB devices which were matching with the story in chapter VI. The german “Gruppo Maiale Lehmann” was based at San Andrea near Venice together with units of the “Mezzi d’Assalto” until the allied forces reached the Venice area in April 1945. SSB and SLC devices were captured soon later by the British which took photos of them – three of these historic photos from 1945 made it into chapter VI on page 622, 624 and 625.

Page 622 – 623:
The recovered SSB device during inspection by a british officer on the Pilot’s seat in 1945.

Page 624 – 625:
The cockpit of one of the recovered SSB devices with the numerous instruments and control possibilities.

It was described in all its details by the Allies for top secret purposes and later recorded at archives in the United Kingdom where after decades they are available for the public just like the SSB exhibited at the Imperial War Museum in London – which was definately worth a visit. [Volker Wiegmann]

Christie’s New York features another rare Ref. 3646 / Type D (LOT 155)  in their upcoming Important Watches auction 3752 (June 17th). The watch with its anonymous “Kampfschwimmer” dial is recorded in our database since 2013.

Features of the watch:
Reference: 3646 / Type D
Dial: “Kampfschwimmer” (sandwich, anonymous)
Case number: 2606XX
Movement: Rolex Cal. 618 / Type 1

The inner caseback engravings bear the Rolex SA stamp, reference and case number of the watch. In combination with the Rolex Cal. 618 / Type 1 movement, these details are matching with our database criteria for watches of the Ref. 3646 / Type D number group.

The caseback of the watch bears the additional “Marine Kampf-Schwimmer” (navy frogmen) engraving plus the year of its service (1945). The initials of the watch’s first owner “AM” were engraved in a german POW camp right after the war, where some of the remaining german frogmen units were imprisoned. After the war, many watches “changed ownership” with members of the allied forces and travelled to these servicemen’s home countries (UK, USA…).

Like other valuable asset, wrist watches were sometimes traded for other goods, which were urgently needed for life back in these days (“lucky strike currency”). This is why today some of these watches surfaced overseas, as it is the case with this watch. Since the end of the 2nd world war this Ref. 3646 / Type D watch remained in the United States, where the family of the 2nd owner (a former U.S. Navy serviceman) contacted us in 2013 to find out the history behind.

Similar watches of the 3646 / Type D number group are featured in our books “History1” (chapter II) and “History2” (chapter V and VII). You can read in these books many details about training and missions in which these Panerai watches were an important part of the frogmen’s equipment during the 2nd world war.

The SIHH opened the doors at the Palexpo in Geneva on monday, january 19th, 2015 with yet another ace out of the Panerai DNA: a new Mare Nostrum Titanio chronograph (PAM00603) with mechanical hand-wound OP XXV calibre with a power reserve of 55 hours. The movement is developed on a Minerva 13-22 base with 18.000 vibrations per hour.

The 52 mm tonneau shaped case of the Mare Nostrum Titanio chronograph is made of brushed titanium, including a solid caseback, crown and pushers. Its water resistance is up to 3 bar. Typical for titanium watches from Panerai, this new Mare Nostrum Titanio chronograph bears a brown dial with two levels, just as the first vintage Mare Nostrum chronograph from 1943.

The chronograph functions are controlled by two push buttons, reading the central seconds hand and a minute counter dial at 3 o’clock. The permanent second hand is at 9 o’clock. The new Mare Nostrum Titanio is a Special Edition with only 150 units. Its great to see that the historic design of the Mare Nostrum chronograph from the 1940’s will be carried into the future of the brand with this new release at the 2015 SIHH.

[for further informations visit www.panerainovelties.com or www.panerai.com]

Beside watches from the Vintage, Pre-Vendome and Richemont era, some historical tools and instruments from Officine Panerai will be auctioned by Artcurial in Paris on monday, december 8th. A rare example of a Vintage Panerai depth gauge, aimed to 50 meters, with Radiomir dial and the typical white hand (depht gauges with Luminor come with a transparent hand), is listed as LOT 18 at “Panerai only” (Artcurial sale #2527).

The stainless steel case is matte grey coated, sized 70 x 90 mm. Historical Panerai instruments (screwed lugs) use the same 26 mm leather straps as those who were mounted on watches, treated for seawater use. The length of the strap was long enough to wear the depth gauge over the diving suit. The underside of the instrument is ergonomically shaped and has a brushed surface. It is fixed with 6 screws onto the upper part of the case, same as compasses are constructed. The huge dome (different versions between 24 mm and 27 mm exists) is made of Plexiglas.

By taking a close look at the dial of this instrument, one can see that it is made in the same “sandwich method” than the dials of the Vintage Panerai watches. The dial of this depht gauge has markers of 2.5 meter steps from surface to 20 meters, and 5 meter steps from 20 to 50 meters (maximum depth).

An overview of seven different aimed depth gauges (using Radiomir or Luminor luminous material) can be found here.

[Photos with kindly permission / courtesy of www.artcurial.com]

Inbetween the today known watches of the Ref. 6152/1, the version with crown protecting device and Angelus 240 SF 8 Days movement is one the rarest. Recently on display at Munichtime, this specimen represents the Panerai DNA in the bright spotlight: a massive 47 mm case, patented crown protecting device, sandwich dial with “Luminor” luminous material and the small second subdial. Typical feature of the watches with Angelus movements are the single pencil shaped hands. Read more about the outer and inner differences between the Rolex and Angelus version of the Reference 6152/1 here.

Features of the watch:
Reference: 6152/1 Angelus
Dial: “Luminor Panerai” (sandwich, engraved)
Case number: 124784
Movement: Angelus Cal. 240 SF (8 days)

German editor Jens Koch wrote an excellent story about the unique design of Panerai watches, following their roots from the past until today and in the future. The actual special issue of “Chronos” watch magazine (“Uhrendesign” / “watch design”) features his story on page 92-100.

By describing the history of Panerai from the early beginnings as a supplier of the royal italian navy until today’s models, photos of Vintage Panerai watches are featured (Ref. 3646 / Type D “Kampfschwimmer”, Ref. 6152/1 “Luminor Panerai” and a GPF 2/56 “Egiziano Grosso”). Koch explains in detail where Panerai today still use the DNA of the historic watches and how the brand can create new models by using the classic design elements today and in the future, as well as different case sizes and new materials.

Get your copy of the “Chronos Spezial Uhrendesign” at the newspaper stores across europe. Find more info at www.watchtime.net [Ralf Ehlers & Volker Wiegmann]

Captured the domed shape of the plexi on this Ref. 3646 / Type D “Kampfschwimmer”. Slightly above the bezel, the “volcano dome” starts its smooth rounded shape from the lower outside to the higher center. Ref. 3646 watches have been produced over several years with different shaped plexi glasses. Another known shape is the flat centered version with a stronger curved outside area (see this Ref. 3646 / Type C “Radiomir Panerai” to compare / see this Ref. 3646 / Type D “Kampfschwimmer” to compare).

As the plexiglass was, aside the onion shaped or tubular shaped winding crown, one of the most damaged and naturally worn off part of these watches, spare plexi glasses replaced the initial plexi glasses. Its great to see another watch which comes still with its original “volcano dome”.

Another Vintage Panerai Ref. 3646 / Type D with a similar plexi is featured in our book “History2” on page 632 / chapter VI.

Got the chance to stop by at auctioneer Dr. Crott in Mannheim / Germany for taking a close look at yet surfaced Ref. 3646 / Type D “Kampfschwimmer”, which will be auctioned on saturday, november 15th in Frankfurt (LOT 78).

The watch is filling another place of a piece in the big Vintage Panerai puzzle, matching our database criteria in the group of the watches of the Reference 3646 / Type D. It has been recently delivered to the auctioneer being a heirloom of a german watchmaker’s family.

The front view shows the anonymous “Kampfschwimmer” sandwich dial and the bright blue steel hands with their original luminous material (partially off). Small cracks in the plexi are proof of age of the “volcano dome” shaped plexi.

Also the aged numbers and markers of the dial in different colors (from yellow to light orange / amber) are a typical feature of 3646 / Type D watches and can be found on many others. The screw-down caseback of the watch is plain (without individual engravings).

The inner caseback shows the – typical for the Ref. 3646 / Type D criteria – Rolex SA stamp, reference number and case number and has a fully decorated finish. The engine of the watch is the Rolex Cal. 618 / Type 1 movement.

Typical for this type of movement is the “ROLEX 17 RUBIS” engraving on the center bridge. As usual on Rolex Cal. 618 movements used in watches of the Reference 3646, the balance cock bears the S-F / A-R regulation device.

Features of the watch:
Reference: 3646 / Type D
Dial: “Kampfschwimmer”  (sandwich, engraved)
Case number: 2606XX
Movement: Rolex Cal. 618 / Type 1

The new owner of this watch may decide to change the actual non-screw-down replacement crown with tubular shaped “Oyster Patent” crown (Type 13) or – with some luck – with an onion shaped “Brevet +” crown (Type 11). The “neck” of the cushion shaped case still exists and a good watchmaker should be able to place a tube into it to get a screw-down crown from Rolex on it.

Similar watches of this type with anonymous “Kampfschwimmer” sandwich dials are featured in our books “History1” (chapter II) and “History2” (chapter V and chapter VII).

We hope the watch will find a good new home and that it remain surfaced in the Vintage Panerai collectors world.
[Ralf Ehlers & Volker Wiegmann]