Officine Panerai produced various versions of high precision lathes in the middle of the last century. These tools are a great proof of precision and quality level of the Officine Panerai company, being able to create high precision tools for mechanical workshops in different types.

“Tornio Panerai – Mod. G.P.2 per orologeria” 

Diametro foro dell’ albero (spindle drill) 8mm
Lunghezza bancale (bench lenght) 300 mm
Distanza punta (pointing length) 150mm
Altezza punte (pointing height) 40mm

[photo by Ralf Ehlers]

The “Tornio Panerai – Mod. G.P.2 per orologeria” is featured in the “Torni Panerai – Catalogo N. 20” on page 11 (dated march, 1963).

Officine Panerai signal torch, creating three different light colors by a rotating head (white, green and red light) with external device to turn on and off (fixed or flashing light; patented in the 1950’s).

Dimensions of the signal torch:
length 23 cm / calibre 5.8 cm (head), 3 cm (rear/grip)
powered by 1 x 3Volt Superplus battery

[photo by Ralf Ehlers]

Comparing the different sizes of two Panerai torches for divers. Waterproof, rubber coated case with external device to turn on and off (fixed or flashing light; patented in the 1950’s).

Dimensions of the large torch (rare):
length 28 cm / calibre 7.5 cm (front), 4.5 cm (grip)
powered by 3 x 1.5 Volt mono batteries

Dimensions of the small torch:
length 16,5 cm / calibre 6 cm (front), 3 cm (rear/grip)
powered by 1 x 3Volt Superplus battery

[photo by Ralf Ehlers]

Caught some details of the “Elettrosegnalatore GPF 1/58”. Fantastic to see the rich details on such a simple tool… many fine engravings all over the case of the signal light, Panerai branded almost everywhere, including matriculation number on the rear plate (covers the batteries).

Stunning functionality of the grip, which can be rotated to move a colored tube over the light bulb, coming up from the front grip into the area infront of the mirror (see detail photo upper and lower left). The signal light can expose white (regular), blue (“A”) and red (“R”) light signals by using the rear grip’s pistol trigger. At the detail photo (lower left), the blue light tube is turned on.

A shoulder extension (stored in the transport box together with a set of spare light bulbs) can be mounted on the rear plate, giving comfort for a straightening use of the signal light in a seesaw situation. For sending accurate signals, an ironsight (low right on the detail photo) is placed on top left of the case, which has an overall dimension of approx. 29 x 22 cm (without shoulder extension).

Much bigger than the box for the “Luminor Panerai” dial, which I have posted last week, comes this GPF 1/58 light gun in it’s transport box made of calf leather and cardboard core.

It has a very nice engraved plate on top and looks quite “used” – but okay for a tool that is 52 years old…!

Daylight photos of the content will follow soon…
Thanks a lot to the fellow mate who sent it to me!

Ever asked yourself why dials of Panerai watches don’t have minute markers? Here is probably one reason why: even devices for activating explosives can’t be adjusted to the minute – only full and half hours have been able to set… (see the left disc with 10 hour scale for delay mechanism)

Ralf came across a very interesting instrument with a rotating scale: A so called “Congegno S.M.1” – 20 minute timer, which can be attached to an explosive source. The black coated case shows the typical engraved font (white numbers 20, 15, 10 and 5) which have been used on other Panerai instruments.

Not much informations available yet, but something to discover in the future – as it is described as a prototype on its outer box, there were probably not made too many of this type…

Tried to catch some details of a depth gauge’s meter hand today. The “Luminor” elements (markers and numbers on the dial, tip of the hand) still glow in a strong green color when under influence of direct light – quite impressive for a tool of this age and very different to the instruments with “Radiomir” elements.

The shown depth gauge is calibrated to 16 meters. There exist many other versions for various dephts, depending on their use (attack or defense).

More informations about this Panerai instrument can be found in chapter III of our 1st book “Vintage Panerai – Watches with History”.

Signal buoys with color changeable flashlights, used by the italian navy divers, produced by Officine Panerai.

The buoy provides the position of navy divers in training by the orange ball on top during daylight conditions. For night training the buoy provides flashlight signals.

The battery powered flashlight can be adjusted to white, red and blue color and provides signals in various frequency.

weight: 13 kg
height: 168 cm
powered by 16 mono batteries (1.5 Volt)

Interesting pieces of underwater equipment: an underwater spyglass / binoculars and the famous Galeazzi knife with tool grip, together with instruments from Guido Panerai & Figlio: compass, Ref. 6152/1 “Luminor Panerai” watch (Angelus Cal. 240 SF movement), depth gauge and “Elux” torch.