Comments:
What a great hommage ot the 3646!
Which one do you prefer, at the end?
The Cali or the " normal " dial ?
You're indeed right about the fact that the Rad is the soul of Panerai, even if it is basically a ...Rolex watch.
But the Roots of Panerai are the " Laboratorio de ideas ", and the Rad was not the first tool developed by this brand ( since 1860 ), but the first experience ( 2533 apart ).
And it had a hard life, before, during and after the war.
I think that with every Vintage Panerai , there is a story behind, to learn, to listen to.
And even more with the Radiomir, indeed.
Where I'm a bit amazed is when you say that the 6152 was not produced until 1954...
I always thought that it was a bit before...Something around end 40 ies, but not that late.
Anyway, a Vintage Panerai is a must in a Collection of Diving watch, and a nightmare, too, if we consider that their value has reached the sky.
A 6152 4 Lines, a 6154 ( Aaah, this small egiziano will ever be a phantasm for me ), the 3646 are my 3 favourite Vintage.
But I would be happy with any other!
Thanks for this post, Guille, it reminds us thez good old time!
Best,
Nicolas
It is very interesting to glean a little bit of knowledge and make some assumptions over what may have been with the Brand that has allowed us so much pleasure today
Assumptions because much of it is not known, opinions over what is better known, facts over what we know.
Nico, the Systemi Panerai, a company of which I know not much, seemed to be rooted in the business of innovation. Navigation instruments are always evolving.
The idea of "Laboratorio De Ieas" while applicable then, seems trite and much of a marketing term that Richemnot is exploiting today. Perhaps they should the same way that Coca Cola promises "happiness". Is too much Kool-Aid for my taste. The current innovation has sales in mind. The Systemi innovation had "tool" in focus.
But I digress, my favorite Vintage reference is the 3,6,9,12 3646, followed by the 5154. Really any vintage Panerai is worthy of a mausoleum. Just these two capture my senses in a full complete way.
I am glad that the Purists offer an interested party in discussing this topic.
Cheers to you my friend,
Guille
Can't agree more, Guille.
You perfectly summed the situation.
And a Pity Panerai gave up the Concept of " Laboratorio di Ideas ", because it was really linked to the roots of the Brand, it was the DNA of the brand.
Values change, my friend.
As for your selection, this is a great one, but as you said, each Panerai Vintage is so exciting!
Best,
Nicolas
The Legend, the only Legend the 3646
I've been completely engrossed in "The References" book learning about the Vintage Panerai and tying this onto my prior knowledge of the Brand.
I had many loose ends, one of them pertaining to the legend of the Brand. To anyone that has read Valerio Borghese's Sea Devil's, or The Black Prince, the heroic memories of the XMas exploits occurred all during World War II. The diving watches and compasses, plus other instrumentos were all Panerai. Forgetting about who's side on the war they were, these men performed heroic feats remembered and honored till this day. It is interesting to learn now that the only Panerai watch model to see action on the WWII was the 3646. The 6152 was not developed until 1954 and the 6152/1 with the crown protector developed until 1956 (11 years after WWII ended).
Upon learning this I feel differently about Panerai's Radiomir's models. I feel a greater sense of meaningful connection to the heroic frogmen thru this model. I too feel a little different about the 6152/1s, perhaps the work on the innovative crown protector device more akin to the work that Comex does with Rolex. Not any less important, but still much less heroic.
There are so many loose ends with the story of Panerai, however they are as close as one wants to understand and learn. The legend of this Brand, the Durand De La Penne, the Maiale the Frogmen missions in Gibraltar......is all about the 3646.
Everything else has its place, just not the same place.
Cheers to the Rads
Guille
I had many loose ends, one of them pertaining to the legend of the Brand. To anyone that has read Valerio Borghese's Sea Devil's, or The Black Prince, the heroic memories of the XMas exploits occurred all during World War II. The diving watches and compasses, plus other instrumentos were all Panerai. Forgetting about who's side on the war they were, these men performed heroic feats remembered and honored till this day. It is interesting to learn now that the only Panerai watch model to see action on the WWII was the 3646. The 6152 was not developed until 1954 and the 6152/1 with the crown protector developed until 1956 (11 years after WWII ended).
Upon learning this I feel differently about Panerai's Radiomir's models. I feel a greater sense of meaningful connection to the heroic frogmen thru this model. I too feel a little different about the 6152/1s, perhaps the work on the innovative crown protector device more akin to the work that Comex does with Rolex. Not any less important, but still much less heroic.
There are so many loose ends with the story of Panerai, however they are as close as one wants to understand and learn. The legend of this Brand, the Durand De La Penne, the Maiale the Frogmen missions in Gibraltar......is all about the 3646.
Everything else has its place, just not the same place.
Cheers to the Rads
Guille
Very nice post, Guille
What a great hommage ot the 3646!
Which one do you prefer, at the end?
The Cali or the " normal " dial ?
You're indeed right about the fact that the Rad is the soul of Panerai, even if it is basically a ...Rolex watch.
But the Roots of Panerai are the " Laboratorio de ideas ", and the Rad was not the first tool developed by this brand ( since 1860 ), but the first experience ( 2533 apart ).
And it had a hard life, before, during and after the war.
I think that with every Vintage Panerai , there is a story behind, to learn, to listen to.
And even more with the Radiomir, indeed.
Where I'm a bit amazed is when you say that the 6152 was not produced until 1954...
I always thought that it was a bit before...Something around end 40 ies, but not that late.
Anyway, a Vintage Panerai is a must in a Collection of Diving watch, and a nightmare, too, if we consider that their value has reached the sky.
A 6152 4 Lines, a 6154 ( Aaah, this small egiziano will ever be a phantasm for me ), the 3646 are my 3 favourite Vintage.
But I would be happy with any other!
Thanks for this post, Guille, it reminds us thez good old time!
Best,
Nicolas
Ahhh the gold old dayz!
It is very interesting to glean a little bit of knowledge and make some assumptions over what may have been with the Brand that has allowed us so much pleasure today
Assumptions because much of it is not known, opinions over what is better known, facts over what we know.
Nico, the Systemi Panerai, a company of which I know not much, seemed to be rooted in the business of innovation. Navigation instruments are always evolving.
The idea of "Laboratorio De Ieas" while applicable then, seems trite and much of a marketing term that Richemnot is exploiting today. Perhaps they should the same way that Coca Cola promises "happiness". Is too much Kool-Aid for my taste. The current innovation has sales in mind. The Systemi innovation had "tool" in focus.
But I digress, my favorite Vintage reference is the 3,6,9,12 3646, followed by the 5154. Really any vintage Panerai is worthy of a mausoleum. Just these two capture my senses in a full complete way.
I am glad that the Purists offer an interested party in discussing this topic.
Cheers to you my friend,
Guille
" Sales " against " Tools "
Can't agree more, Guille.
You perfectly summed the situation.
And a Pity Panerai gave up the Concept of " Laboratorio di Ideas ", because it was really linked to the roots of the Brand, it was the DNA of the brand.
Values change, my friend.
As for your selection, this is a great one, but as you said, each Panerai Vintage is so exciting!
Best,
Nicolas
Yes Nico,
A lot has changed in the idea of the timeline. I really recommend reading Volker and Ralf's new book.
Needless to say, I am in full agreement with their timeline theory, until someone can produce some sound evidence proving otherwise.
Cheers,
Asi
Did someone say Radiomir?!
Well Guille, for me, I personally have always known and respected the Radiomir to be THE quinessential Panerai, even though many in Japan starts their 1st panny with a Luminor.
Afterall, my most favourite model of all time is still the Ref. 2533 which Nico mentioned about, and of which i am simply DYING for OP to do a re-edition of.
So i'm glad to have someone who puts emphasis on where it should be place.
Here's just some shots of my mini- Radiomir family.
And you know what guys? I am so in LOVE with the name Radiomir ( over Luminor, that is) i'm simply TEMPTED to name my 1st child Radiomir!
Am i nuts or what? Or does this future child have a genuinely insane father!?
Ciao!
Stephen
Dear Ralf you should put some warning in title of post
not all of us have strong heart and calm nerves
you are doing some serious damage here :0)
WOW and WOW and thank you for sharing
best
Damian
you are doing some serious damage here :0)
WOW and WOW and thank you for sharing
best
Damian