A local Panerai AD in Hesse state’s capital city Wiesbaden, Juwelier Stoess (www.stoess.eu), is having a special Panerai exhibition for two weeks (february 25th to march 10th) with a completely “Panerai corporate designed shop window” which is getting a lot attraction in Wiesbaden’s famous shopping area Wilhelmsstrasse – close to the well known Kurhaus / Casino.

There are special and rare Panerai models in the display, also some Vintage Panerai instruments are placed. Beside a battery powered light gun, a so called Elettrosegnalatore GPF 1/58, two parts of Arillo’s “Trittico” in their wooden storage box are in the spot: a Luminor depth gauge (16 meters) and a Luminor compass.

Color signal extension (rotating head, made of aluminium) with four colors (red, orange, green and white/clear), mounted on a “VIDOR” torch (made in Britain), which is equipped with Panerai patented mechanism, signed “Brevet IT 563039″.

[photo by Ralf Ehlers]

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]

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.

Set of Panerai instruments: A rare 50 meter depth gauge with a brown aged Radiomir dial (case: 70×90 mm, height: 43 mm), Panerai underwater torch (lenght: 163 mm, rubber body: caliber 31 mm back / 61 mm lens, signed “Officine Panerai Brevettato”) and Luminor compass (case: 70×90 mm, height: 34 mm).

Photo credits to Assaf Burstein from Israel