223. Rolex for Panerai
A fine and very rare stainless steel
military divers wristwatch
Manufacturer
Year
沛納海，精細及非常罕有，不銹鋼潛水軍
Reference No.
Case No.
Material
Calibre
錶，型號3646，約1936年製
Rolex for Panerai
Circa 1936
3646
260’563
Stainless steel
Mechanical, 618,
17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap Brown military
leather strap
Dimensions
47 mm. wide
Signed
Case, dial and
movement signed
Estimate
HKD 400,000-600,000
USD 50,000-75,000
HK WATCHES_NOV15_284-419_bl_CS5.indd 316
Literature
Reference 3646 is prominently
illustrated in Panerai Watches from 1936
to 1997 by Mario Paci, page 52 and 53.
Some say that reference 3646 is
the ‘holy grail’ reference of Panerai
watches. While the ‘3646’ may not
be the very first Radiomir model
in existence, the Italian Navy and
their combat swimmers mostly
used this reference in their line
of work. Our research suggests
that Panerai only produced 600
examples of this reference.
The large dial and self-luminous
hands allowed soldiers to clearly
read their watch under any
weather condition. The case
number, 260’605, was assigned
by Rolex, who also supplied the
movement and provided parts
to Panerai at that time. This
reference 3646 is a watch with
enormous character and is in very
appealing, crisp original condition.
22/10/15 10:47