The Producer of BBC TV Antiques Roadshow Mark Ashton contacted me yesterday and let me know about a WWII Mil Issue Radiomir Panerai - Italian Dive watch that was brought in to one of their shows earlier this year. It is going for Auction on www.antiquorum.com , look up lot 331. Estimate 45-55,000 USD $ obviously a snip!
This is the write up from there:
“The Nijmegen Bridges Watch”
Officine Panerai, “Radiomir Panerai”, case No. 1010251, Ref. 3646,
first generation. Made for Italian Navy
Commandos, issued to German Navy “Frogmen” circa 1943.
Historically important, very fine and extremely rare, large,
cushion-shaped, water-resistant, stainless steel military diver's
wristwatch.
Tech Details:
C. Signed Rolex, three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, wire lugs. D. Black with luminous Arabic
numerals and bâton indexes. Luminous blued steel "bâton" hands. M. Cal. 15 3/4''', signed Rolex, rhodium-plated, "fausses-côtes"
decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, Breguet balance-spring.
Dial, case and movement signed.
Dim. 47 x 47 mm. Thickness: 15 mm.
Interesting as I had a watch that had been made as an 'omage to this watch earlier this year. Same style case, vintage style dial and 'brass' handset same kind of movement that they use in todays Panerais and here it is and it was $350.... kind of cool I thought?
Regards
Alistair
