Panerai Radiomir 3646

Ref 3646 was the first (Rolex-made) Panerai with the trademark 3,6,9,12 Panerai Radiomor dial. The Radiomir designation on the dial of the watch was used because it used Radium lume to illuminate the hands and dial in the dark. The dial on this watch is a plexiglass Prototype. Radiomir lume was patented in 1915. SOMETHING YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA DIAL MONIKER: The California or 'Cali' dial reference refers to the dial which features a combination of both arabic numbers (1-2-3-4, etc) and roman numerals (I, II, IV, IX, etc) for the hour markers as seen on this watch. In the 1980's, a large number of Rolex dials were refinished and repainted by an unknown company based in California in a variety of bright colors using this very distinct combination of roman and arabic numbers for the hours markers. Becasue of their distinctive California origin and way-out bright colors, this resulted in those watches being referred to as 'California dial' rolexes. The moniker stuck and was then used in referring to the original dials produced by Rolex in the 1930's thru the 50's. This dial style was used sparingly by Rolex for use primarily in smaller 24mm - 32mm wristwatches and oversized military tactical watches (based on using original pocketwatch movements & dials). Many collectors theorize the dial was distinctive so as to make those watches Rolex produced exclusively for a 3rd party to be instantly recognizable. The PAM 249 1936 Radiomir dial is an exact replica of the original dial that was produced by Rolex for the Panerai Radiomir in 1936. In the original 1936 Radiomir watch, Panerai kept the Rolex movement intact and then customized the watch further so that it could be reliably used in underwater tactical situations which included coating the dial, hour markers and hands with their proprietary luminescence techologies. This relatively reliable and stable (albeit radioactive) luminescence for watch dials which sometimes included liquid-filled tubes on the dial is what Panerai was to become known for in international tactical/mil-spec circles moving forward. Panerai would be tapped later on to produce watches on a mil-spec basis for several well known, highly celebrated and revered special force tactical military groups within the Italian Navy and throughout the world. What makes this watch so Special, Unique & Rare: •Ref 3646 is the watch that inspired the release of the wildly desirable & completely sold out PAM 249 1936 special Re-edition. •Ref 3646 was first released by Panerai in 1936. •The Ref 3646 was amongst the first underwater wristwatch especially made (limited edition) for the Italian Navy Model Name: Panerai PreVendome Radiomir California 'Cali' Dial Rolex Movement 1936 47mm Stainless Steel - Ref 3646 Movement Type: Manual Wind Watch Features: Time Only Water Resistant Movement Details: Features Genuine Rolex Movement, Cortebert Rolex Calibre 618 Cortebert--Rolex signature, rhodium-plated, Côtes de Genève decoration, 17 jewels, vertical lever escapement, single metal balance wheel, blue steel Breguet hairspring (movement signed Rolex) Dial Description: California Dial -- this references the mix of hour marker styles--half with arabic and half with roman indices. Ref 3646 is the first (Rolex-made) Panerai with the trademark 3,6,9,12 Panerai Radiomor dial. The Radiomir designation on the dial of the watch was used because it used Radium lume to illuminate the hands and dial in the dark. The dial on this watch is a plexiglass Prototype. Radiomir lume was patented in 1915. Bezel: Fixed (Does Not Move) Case Size: 47mm Case Metal: Stainless Steel Case Details: Wire style lugs welded directly to case. Lugs are fixed and do not move (this means strap must be sewn directly onto watch) Caseback: solid stainless steel screw-down caseback (inside of caseback signed 'Rolex' Age: Pre-Owned Vintage watch with estimated Manufacture date of Circa 1936 Strap/Bracelet: original Panerai Pre Vendome tactical Gold/tan brushed leather aged calfskin strap with sewn-in oversized Pre-Vendome 'GFP' stamped metal buckle. Condition Details: This is a Pre-Owned watch from Circa 1936. It is in carefully worn and amazingly aged condition as seen in photos.