PANERAI/ROLEX | REFERENCE 3646 A STAINLESS STEEL DIVER'S WATCH WITH CALIFORNIA DIAL, CIRCA 1945

Dial: black California Calibre: cal. 681 mechanical, 17 jewels Case: stainless steel, screw down case back Case number: 260'918 Closure: brown calf strap and stainless steel buckle  Size: 46 mm diameter Signed: case signed Rolex

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The watch is in excellent overall condition. The case with very crisp and sharp lines and very good definition overall. The dial is in excellent overall condition given it is aged. The lumes and hands react very well under UV and have aged consistently throughout. The hands are slightly tarnished. The watch gives a very good reading under the Geiger counter and is in wonderful overall condition. 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."

Vintage Panerai There are few watches that have such an interesting history than that of the Rolex/Panerai. Not least one set within, and so embroiled with, the Second World War. It is interesting to see the co-relationship between Rolex and Panerai throughout their lifetimes and the origin of several designs, that to this day, one might very quickly associate with what Panerai has now become. It was indeed this relationship, and the quality of the movements, cases and dials produced, that has resulted in the continued strength of the market for vintage pieces.

The following two lots demonstrate two iterations of the Panerai/Rolex collaboration. The first, the reference 3646 bears a very close resemblance to the earlier Rolex reference 2523 and is powered by Rolex caliber 619 supplied by Cortebert. Interestingly the California dial fitted was also the invention of Rolex in the early 1940s. The second, the reference 6152/1 is a fascinating example accompanied by its original owners dive log and letter.

沒有哪幾款腕錶的歷史比沛納海和勞力士合作得來更有意思，或者比它們在第二次世界大戰的羈絆更絲縷相連。兩者之間的長期合作引人入勝，時至今日，在某些沛納海錶款設計中，仍能發現當年合作的蛛絲馬跡。這份關係以及機芯、錶殼和錶盤的可靠質量，令其古董腕錶一直在市場上大受歡迎。

以下兩枚腕錶足見沛納海和勞力士的聯袂成果。3646型號的外形與較早推出的勞力士2523型號非常相似，並使用由Cortebert供應的勞力士619機芯，加州錶盤也是勞力士在1940年代初期的發明。另一枚6152/1型號附帶原錶主的潛水日誌和信件，同樣受人矚目。

The present watch is a fine example of a reference 3646, with perhaps the most renowned dial type of the Panerai/Rolex pieces, and certainly one that is most desirable. This particular watch belongs to a small number of pieces that have the 'Anonymous' Rolex movement but has retained the Rolex stamp to the case back. It has been speculated that these movements were supplied by Rolex but were intentionally un-branded to to disassociate the Brand from the consumer. The watch is elevated further by its very original state of preservation. The dial is extremely attractive and reacts well under UV light and Geiger counter. The case is also very crisp and in very attractive original condition.