Officine Panerai

I got a Pre-vendome model which is similar to 5218/201A but which the Logo on the dial is disppear. However, there is another print "San Marco" on the dial as what I show below.

I have sent this watch to Panerai Service Center and they said that the dial is original and my watch was under service. However, they do not have any idea or any background regarding this model.

Is there any experts here can give me some information regarding my watch?

1st time I hear that...

Any pic will help: Case back + Dial

Best.

Nicolas

Here are the pictures.

 

is that as long as nobody from pre-V Panerai remembers that watch, nor is there any proof or ducumentation to its existance - it's a dodgy watch . This watch and its Mare Nostrum brother surfaced a few years ago in a Christie's auction. Some research at the time revealed nada. The fact that Panerai are calling it real is nice, and perhaps the dial was repainted with 'San Marco' at a later stage - still I strongly believe that this watch was never assembled by Panerai.

I stand to be corrected and here is the Mare pic:

 

 

Asi

it's ok with your opinion because I really want to find out the story behind this watch.

Like what you said this may be repaint at last stage, however, from my observation and Panerai Service center's opinion, it is not possbile to remove the Panerai "Logo" like this perfect. At the position which the "Logo" suppose to be there, I cannot tell how the person can remove the "Logo" and reprint the "San Marco" like that.

please correct me if i am wrong. thx

when I address rarities like this (and others) I would like to see positive proof rather than not finding negative. The pre-V era that we are talking about was not that long ago and all the people involved are still present. AFAIK, Mr. Zei, Mr. Bettarini and Mr. Paci do not know of this model (and I discussed this personally with two of the above) and if the CEO, designer and QC manager cannot confirm a watch made by their own company, I would say that the watch was not made by Panerai. The possibility both watches were purchased as a set and somone adding 'San Marco' is also not possible for the reason you mentioned above.

I would like to add that there were watches that were not made by Panerai like the famous Slytech Blackseal, it was assembled by some individuals who got access to parts after the take-over by Vendome. Even in that case, there was positive proof that the 5218-218 was in planning, so it was not totaly invented. In regards to the SM pair - nothing was ever mentioned.

I would love to find out that these were real and actually Panerai watches, but I am afraid for the meanwhile, my opinion remains.

 

Chhers,

 

Asi

Dear Asi
This is stunning piece of info
that you just gave here.
Can it be that 5218/218A prototype that was sold not so long ago for 140K$
was never made by Panerai?
I saw that letter signed my Mr Paci was confirming authenticity was involved
and 5 pieces production is mentioned
Can you please give more info on this
Thank you
Sincerely
Damian
P.S. San Marco mentioned in thread is weird as Nicolas said but it looks "genuine"
where and who could assembled it?
P.P.S. this murky past of preV gives such a spice to all Panerai fame .... great PR work IMHO

the Slytech Blackseal Panerai was assembled AFTER the takeover, never by Panerai. It was apparently made from real parts. In my book, that would make the 5218-218 a 'non-Panerai'. You have to read what Mario Paci wrote very carefully with the information above in mind....

 

San Marco is a different story altogether. Until today, no proof this watch ever existed.

 

Asi.

one more question if I may
where the 5 other pieces ever assembled
even by third party
and did Vendome assembled Blackseal prototype
Toda
Damian

They were assembled by a 3rd party that has nothing to do with Panerai, They were not assembled by Vendome.

 

Cheers,

Asi

 

cheers,

 

Asi

I remember vedry well this WS!



Best,

Nicolas

Always a pleasure

What a pic!. I love this watch a lot, my friend.

Panerai is here!. Panerai is that.

Best

emilio

I wouldn't put an Euro cent on this watch.

sorry to bring such bads news, but I would be very curious to see on what documents this watch can be certified as authentic.

Best,

Nicolas

love to z it all.