Compare a Panerai “Luminor Submersible” from actual production whith this vintage Ref. GPF 2/56 – you can find a lot Panerai DNA from the 1950’s transferred into modern times.

The “Big Egiziano” aka “Egiziano Grosso” received its nickname because of  the huge case: it measures 60 mm, with crown protecting device even 66 mm. Panerai has produced a replica of this fantastic toolwatch as a Special Edition model in 2009 (PAM341) made of titanium.

Ralf captured the legendary, matte coated rotating bezel with 5 minute graduation in form of pin shaped elevated markers, with the 15, 30 and 45 minute markers particularly accentuated. The reference point at 12 ‘o’clock is filled with luminous material.

You can read more about the Ref. GPF 2/56 in our book “Vintage Panerai – The References”, chapter V, pages 256-283.

The Panerai Ref. 6154 “Egiziano Piccolo” in good company: compasses, depth gauges and it’s “big brother” GPF 2/56 “Egiziano Grosso” in the background.

Even with an impressive case size of 47 millimeters, the Ref. 6154 watch looks pretty small compared to the instruments around, which have a case size of 70 x 90 mm.

Ralf has provided a stunning macro photo of the milled symbol, which is filled out with white, non-luminous color. It appears only on the dials of GPF 2/56 reference watches: the legendary “8 Giorni Brevettato” symbol, representing the Angelus Cal. 240 SF movement with 8 days power reserve.

The case diameter of this reference is 66 millimeters including the crown protecting device. It was made by Panerai for the Egyptian navy in the mid 1950’s, which received the nickname “Egiziano Grosso” because of its huge size.

Three modern Panerai watches have this symbol of Panerai DNA printed on their dials: the famous PAM203 (2005) with vintage Angelus movement and two Special Editions with 8 days inhouse movements (P.2002/7): PAM339 (2010) and PAM341 (2009). Another rare Special Edition – PAM267 (2007) - is using the same vintage Angelus movement as the PAM203, but without the “8 Giorni Brevettato” symbol printed on the dial.

Read more about the “8 Giorni Brevettato” in chapter V of our 2nd book “Vintage Panerai – The References”

I do love Panerai watches, but none more so than the Vintage Pieces.

The Best of all for me is the GPF 2/56, The “Egiziano Grosso” with that massive 60mm case for legibility both under water and above and a second hand register for checking operations to the second. No doubt  it is the best of the bunch for craftsmanship and with every piece containing the beautiful and distinctive Angelus movement which provided eight days of power reserve.

The modern “Luminor Submersible” is homage to the vintage GPF 2/56, using similar design elements such as the rotating bezel, but in a smaller case size (44 mm).

Having collected Panerai watches for several years before I knew the significance of their storied history I love them more every year and will probably take them to my grave.