…and carrier of the brand’s DNA until today and in the future.

Watches of the reference 6152/1 are featured in four of the twelve chapters of our new “The References” books and part of the second volume (1950’s-1960’s). The 6152/1 watches with Rolex movements are featured in chapter VIII.I and VIII.II, 6152/1 watches with Angelus movements are featured in chapter X.III and X.IV.

The photo shows a 6152/1 with Rolex movement, “Luminor Panerai” dial and crown-protecting device (chapter VIII.II, page 962-963). Enjoy reading! Our new “The Reference” books are available only in our bookstore.

Our new “The References” 1950’s-1960’s book (volume two / 696 pages). Available in our bookstore.

Watches, compasses and depth gauges from Guido Panerai & Figlio (chapter VI – XI plus chapter XII on buckles and straps) produced in the 1950’s – 1960’s.

Enjoy reading!

By the end of 2015 our Vintage Panerai database counted a total of 377 entries, which we have recorded since 2003. The summary of our research about the watches made by Guido Panerai & Figlio from the 1930’s to the 1960’s are published in the 2nd edition of our new “The References” books in 2016, in which 70 watches plus several compasses and depth gauges are published on 1392 pages in two volumes – visit our bookstore to place your order.

Both new “The References” books introduced below will replace the first edition book from 2009 (sold out since 2013).

The first volume of “The References” is dedicated to watches and instruments from the 1930’s to 1940’s (References 2533, 3646, the Mare Nostrum Chronograph, compasses, straps and buckles) made by Guido Panerai & Figlio.

The first volume (696 pages, trilingual German, Italian and English language in one book) carries the history of the legendary Mezzi d’Assalto (SLC and “Gamma” frogmen units) of the 10th Flottiglia MAS with an overview of their missions from 1940 to 1943, linked directly to famous Italian owners of three watches. Furthermore information on German “Kampfschwimmer” frogmen units with yet unreleased historic photos is included and linked directly to owners of seven watches featured in this book.

The first volume features also the legendary and unique Mare Nostrum Chronograph, followed by a view on rare compasses used during the Second World War, before a chapter on buckles and straps is closing the first volume of Vintage Panerai “The References”.

The second volume of “The References” (696 pages, counting from page 697 to 1392, trilingual German, Italian and English language in one book) is dedicated to watches and instruments from the 1950’s to 1960’s (References 6152, 6154, 6152/1, GPF 2/56, Modified 3646, Transitional 3646, Modified 6152/1, compasses and depth gauges, straps and buckles) made by Guido Panerai & Figlio. The book features two watches from famous and high decorated italian veterans with their history relating to their active duty during the Second World War, as well as watches used by the Italian COMSUBIN special forces as well as divers of the Carabinieri and Polizia di Stato.

Furthermore, first-hand information from an Egypt frogmen veteran with yet unreleased historic photos of Guido Panerai & Figlio watches and instruments used by Egypt frogmen.

Compasses and depth gauges – huge and impressive instruments worn on the wrist – are featured in several versions as well as an overview of buckles and straps from this era at the end of the second volume of “The References”.

Our new book “The References” will be available again in 2016. After the first edition from 2009 was sold out in January 2013, we have updated this book in extended version with the latest excerpt of more than 380 Vintage Panerai watches recorded in our database: Vintage Panerai “The References” 2nd edition (2016), published in two volumes, 696 pages each, with a total of 1392 pages:

Vintage Panerai “The References” 1930’s-1940’s
2nd edition (2016), volume 1

26 x 26 cm, 696 pages, charts and more than 380 illustrations,
trilingual (German, Italian and English language in one book),
hardback jacket, slipcase.

Watches and compasses from Guido Panerai & Figlio (chapter I – IV plus chapter V on buckles and straps) produced in the 1930’s – 1940’s.

Vintage Panerai “The References” 1950’s-1960’s
2nd edition (2016), volume 2

26 x 26 cm, 696 pages, charts and more than 350 illustrations,
trilingual (German, Italian and English language in one book),
hardback jacket, slipcase.

Watches, compasses and depth gauges from Guido Panerai & Figlio (chapter VI – XI plus chapter XII on buckles and straps) produced in the 1950’s – 1960’s.

Both new Vintage Panerai “The References” books can be ordered only via our online bookstore as soon as they are in stock and ready for shipping.
[Ralf Ehlers & Volker Wiegmann]

Doubtless one of the iconic Panerai design elements: the crown protection device. The patent was issued in july 1956 and described as “tight-seal device for the control knob of instruments, particularly for the setting and winding knob of watches”.

A 26 mm wide and 6.2 mm high area is milled out on the right edge of the polished case of Ref. 6152/1 watch, to allow a lateral attachment of the protection device, made from brushed stainless steel. The protection system, which is extending 8 mm above the right side of the case is fastened to the case with two screws. The L-shaped protective bar (in open position visible on the photo) is 2.9 mm wide and pushes the crown down firmly to the case when closed.

This Vintage Panerai watch is featured in our book “History1″. You can read more about its first owner Mario Arillo in chapter IV, page 227-391. Read more also in our book “The References” 1950’s-1960’s on page 924-927.

Ralf has provided a stunning macro photo of the milled symbol, which is filled out with white, non-luminous color. It appears only on the dials of GPF 2/56 reference watches: the legendary “8 Giorni Brevettato” symbol, representing the Angelus Cal. 240 SF movement with 8 days power reserve.

The case diameter of this reference is 66 millimeters including the crown protecting device. It was made by Panerai for the Egyptian navy in the mid 1950’s, which received the nickname “Egiziano Grosso” because of its huge size.

Three modern Panerai watches have this symbol of Panerai DNA printed on their dials: the famous PAM203 (2005) with vintage Angelus movement and two Special Editions with 8 days inhouse movements (P.2002/7): PAM339 (2010) and PAM341 (2009). Another rare Special Edition – PAM267 (2007) – is using the same vintage Angelus movement as the PAM203, but without the “8 Giorni Brevettato” symbol printed on the dial.

Read more about the “8 Giorni Brevettato” in chapter IX of our book “The References”