PANERAI/ROLEX | REF 3646STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCHCIRCA 1945

Dial: blackCalibre: manual winding, 17 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw-down backCase number: 260730Closure: stainless steel buckleDimensions: 47 x 46 mmSigned: movement signed RolexAccessories: additional dial with baton indexes and Arabic numerals 

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing, overall in good condition. CASE: with scuffs and scratches, condition good considering age. Some signs of polishing. DIALS: both in good overall condition. The California dial lume has aged to a dark brown. The Arabic dial has too aged, but is lighter in appearance, similar to the hands. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The present lot reference 3646 demonstrates a very interesting, if not perhaps slightly embarrassing, period in the watches’ production history.  In 1944 a mistake was made.  It is unclear whether this was a mistake on the part of Rolex or indeed of Panerai, all that can be discerned is that it was almost certainly an error in communication. The California dial, loved by collectors, was developed in 1941 by Rolex, but would only appear on the 3646 three years later. The first order for these dials however was confused, and, while the dials were meant for wristwatches they were produced for pocket watches (dial reference 103*2731).  The feet therefore were positioned in such a way that the dial, once fitted, would have sat rotated at 90 degrees.  To amend this, and salvage the dials, the feet were removed, at times very crudely, and the dials were mounted instead with screws at 12 and at 6.  

Later in 1944 these ‘faulty’ California dials were replaced, research suggests, by Arturo Junghans who produced the dial that accompanies the present lot. Of course, upon opening the watches it was clear that the dial was attached with screws, and so, Junghans attached his dials in the same way, as is evident from the notches visible at 12 and 6.  

Interestingly Rolex, having realised the mistake, changed the batch of California dials to correct the feet placement (dial reference 103*2802). This was apparently around the same time as they decided to stop signing the watches Rolex to the case back and movement. Added later, and replacing the ‘Junghans’ dial, this is the dial type currently fitted to the present lot.

Examining the case and movement numbers and movement ring, it is clear that this watch is original in all parts as the accompanying ‘Junghans’ dial  was, in all likelihood, made for this watch. While the dial fitted at present is a later type, it is still period, made after Rolex rectified the initial problem, acting almost to bring the story full circle. This watch is undoubtedly a superb physical representation of an incredibly interesting piece of history.

With thanks to Jose Pereztroika for his research on this topic.