Last Known Survivors: The Rolex Panerai
It exceptionally rare that a watch of this calibre, collectability and history show up in on the market, especially in New Zealand. It represents an opportunity for collectors to add something of the highest level to their acquisitions. — Samuel Shaw, Watch Specialist Webb’s For our upcoming November Jewels & Watches auction, Webb’s is proud to present this Rolex Panerai 3646 Type E Wristwatch, circa 1944. It is a highly collectible piece of historical importance, and it is absolutely fresh to the market. This timepiece was made by Rolex for Panerai following strict technical requirements, notably a 47 mm wide (for underwater legibility) cushion-shaped case with soldered curved wire lugs, screw down conical crown, 12-sided case back and a Perspex crystal. The black dial features half Arabic and half Roman numerals. It is coated in luminous radium on a black lacquer background, which is known as the California dial (patented by Rolex on May 30, 1941). Since 2016, three new watches of the Ref. 3646 / Type E surfaced, two of them expanded the number group from 260856 – 261097 (1.1.2016) to 260850 – 260111 (29 watches recorded as of today). This watch will be only the 30th known surviving example worldwide. Similar examples have sold previously at over 100,000 CHF. Kassidy Hsieh Head of Fine Jewels & Watches kassidy@webbs.co.nz +64 27 929 5607
Webb's
December
Samuel Shaw Manager, Fine Jewels & Watches samuel@webbs.co.nz +64 22 499 5610 24
