Rolex Panerai for the Eygptian Military

General

Many do not realize that the early 'Panerai' watches were in effect Rolex products ..with panerai simply being a dial/hand producer.

The 6154 or so called 'Small Eygptian'...was a bit of a swan song for this relationship and it is thought that a mere 30 or so pieces were assembled in 1954 as a special order. Of this original supply there are approximately 9-10 examples known of today.

If you would like to know more about vintage Rolex Panerai watches then may i suggest the Vintage Panerai book by Ralph Ehlers & Volker Wiegmann as essential reading !!

http://www.vintagepanerai.com/

Case

47mm stainless steel with screw back. despite its size the uniquely flatter case of the 6154 makes it very wearable.

Dial

The original sandwich dial would have started life as almost black but 57 years of exposure to the radium based luminous material have turned it the most delightful tropical colour which changes in the effect with the light.

Bracelet

worn on a modern re creation hand stitched calf skin strap from Kostos in the UK.

Accessories

letter from Rolex UK confirming manufacture. Rolex UK service receipts. Extract from Sothebys 1992 catalogue listing the watch for sale. (and failing to sell for £1100)