The Panerai Ref. 6154 “Egiziano Piccolo” in good company: compasses, depth gauges and it’s “big brother” GPF 2/56 “Egiziano Grosso” in the background.

Even with an impressive case size of 47 millimeters, the Ref. 6154 watch looks pretty small compared to the instruments around, which have a case size of 70 x 90 mm.

Overview of various Panerai compasses, produced from the late 1930’s to the 1980’s. Interesting to see how sizes, materials and design changed over decades.

In the center of the photo are four pieces of the famous GPF 4/55 model, surrounded by BSP 851 and BSP 852 (with black hood) models. BSP stands for “bussola subacquea da polso” (wrist compass).

On the left of the photo and in the upper right, three “white spirit” models are placed, which have a cylindric, non-metallic case. Some of them are fitted with a sticker, signed “Officine Panerai Firenze”, others have a “white spirit” sticker on, placed on the side or base of the plexi case. Extremely rare is the small compass in the base of the photo, which is the oldest version, used during WW2.

An electro-mechanical device with 9 days power reserve for controlling and activating explosives (delay mechanism). Swiss “Reform” movement with 15 Rubis, 1a quality level, signed “Panerai Firenze”. 

The following text is engraved on the lid (upper left photo):
important
avoid dangerous circuit closures should observe the following precautions.
1) make sure before starting the graduation of the external switch on the lid is in open position.
2) meter should never be left calibrated to zero.

Photo credits to Assaf Burstein from Israel

Recently Ralf discovered a rare Panerai compass, produced in the WW2 aera. It is smaller (case diameter 54 mm / height 28 mm, on the right of the photo) than the later produced compasses (case diameter 70 mm, on the left of the photo), together with a 3646 / Type D watch (produced in 1943-1944).

The small Panerai compass has flexible lugs (26 mm width) and a plexiglas dome with one screw on the side, which can be removed to fill up the fluid). The top of the plexiglas dome has a bearing line and is screwed to the case with six screws. The screws reaching deep into the side part of the plexiglas dome, which is a remarkable difference between the WW2 aera and post WW2 aera versions.

It’s also interesting to see that the compass dial of this early production is divided into (only) 45° sections, not like the “younger” compasses which are divided into 22.5° sections.

We know another compass of the same production batch, which is engraved “Officine Panerai Brevettato” on the caseback, while this piece has a plain caseback without a Panerai signature. For some reasons some of the post WW2 instruments (e.g. depth gauges) are “anonymous” (not engraved on the caseback), while most of them bear the “Officine Panerai Brevettato” signature.

Elettrosegnalatore GPF 1/58 Brevetto IT. N° 47/165. Signal light used by the italian navy.

Powered by internal batteries (see upper left details in the photo) or external 12V DC supply (not pictured), which can be connected by cable at the bottom of the rear grip. The signal light can be activated by a “pistol-like” trigger, using an aiming device for sending the light singnals straing to their destination. The GPF 1/58 is equipped with a shoulder extension which can be mounted additionally to the rear.  Light colors can be changed by turning the wheel on the base of the front grip, which rotates the filters next to the light bulp.

The signal light, shoulder extension and spare light bulps are stored in a leather suitcase. The external power supply is stored in a separate, smaller suitcase of similar type.

A collection of various Officine Panerai torches.

Top left and and base left: GPF Mod. Dep. 3002, lenght 16 cm. Waterproof 50 meters. Panerai patent 563039 / november 14th 1956.

Top right: “Elux” torch (blue light). GPF Mod. Dep. 3002, lenght 17 cm. Waterproof 50 meters. Panerai patent 563039 / november 14th 1956.

Base right: “VIDOR” torch (made in Britain), equipped with Panerai patented mechanism, signed “Brevet IT 563039”. Lenght 25 cm.

Officine Panerai underwater torches produced for the egyptian navy in the 1950’s.

The plexi tube was changeable for two functions: clear part on top for floodlight use (large photo), black part on top for spotlight / signal use (small photo). The plexi tube has windings on both ends and can be changed by the unit while operating underwater.

The torch can be switched on/off by turning the knurled wheel.

“Inclinometro Elux Panerai” – Inclinometer for tanks, measuring degrees (+/- 30) by an enclosed black ball infront of an electroluminescent panel (case size 14,5 x 5,5 cm). See small detail images: daylight (zero level), nightview (1 degree left).

A 3 digit matriculation number is placed on the backside of the power unit. Produced in 1971. Brevetto 846567 (october 1968).

Backside view of a Panerai Elettrosegnalatore GPF 2/52 Brevetto IT. N° 1738/53.

Beside other versions (some with remote control), this type can be controlled by the operator with both hands. A turning wheel to fade light in and out (inserire / disinserire) is placed in the center of the backside. A crosshair sight is placed on the top.

This instrument was stored and transported in a wooden box (visible in the background). 

Photo credits to Assaf Burstein from Israel

Elettrosegnalatore GPF Q/300 Brevetto IT. N° 47/397. Signal light used by the italian navy. Front frame signed “Officine Panerai Firenze”.

Dimensions: 40 x 35 x  50 cm without aiming instruments, which can be attached on both sides. One prismatic monocle is visible on the left.

The light can be intercepted by 5 interconnected vanes.