Although I had collected Panerai for several years, my jaw dropped when I was first able to see in person a vintage Panerai wristwatch. Thinking about the events it had ‘seen’ was thrilling to me, but equally as much was knowing its role as the inspiration for the modern watches that we all know today.

Among the vintage models, the 3646 always held a special place for me. It was the first production Panerai watch and what helped the small Italian company to become a leading supplier of military wristwatches and precision instruments for many decades to come. I always said to myself should I be fortunate enough to own a vintage, that it would be my first choice. Only recently, after many months of searching (and some sleepless nights), my dream was achieved.

While I also appreciate the contemporary watches of today’s Panerai, the differences found in every vintage piece makes each uniquely special. Learning about the technical differences and historical background of each watch is something I can take part in for many years to come.

As a friend commented to me when I first acquired my 3646, ‘these watches drip history’.  
I could not have said it better myself.

A very interesting 3646 / Type C watch will be auctioned soon at Auktionen Dr. H. Crott (LOT 379). It’s matching in all details with our database, where it is listed since august 2009. In this condition, such Panerai watches are quite rare to find in these days. It comes even with an original leather strap, which is absolutely hard to find, as most of the original straps were cut off after long time of use, because the lugs on 3646 watches are welded to the case (which caused the straps to be sewn onto the lugs / not interchangeable like on Ref. 615X watches ).

Our database entry (click above) shows the following detials: Inner caseback signed 1010288. Rolex Cal. 618 / Type 1 movement. Dial signed “Radiomir Panerai” with redish aged numbers and markers. Steel hands. Onion shaped “Brevet+” crown.

We hope it will find a good new home!