Officine Panerai

The Patent application for The Tight Seal Device was deposited Nov 30, 1955.

At Panerai in Firenze, based on designs, sketches, and internal documents, many believe that the adoption of this device was made in the first half of the 40s, during the Second World War.  It is not understood why the patent of this clever and effective device was deposited only ten years later.

 

Around 1999 whilst tirelessly searching for parts and info, I bought a 6152-1 (RADIOMIR PANERAI Dial, Rolex Cal. 618). I clearly remember that the retired highly ranked Italian Marine officer I purchased this watch from told me his watch was from 1947

 

Based on many conversations on this subject with the people at Panerai in Firenze and my personal experience , I am still personally convinced that the ‘Protecting crown device’ was first used in the 40’s, this despite many current searches and others conclusions,

 

 

Quote from a book The Panerai in Firenze (150 years of Panerai history) by Col. Dino Zei
'Remains to understand why the patent of a device so clever and effective was filed only ten years later.'

 

Here below the Patent.

‘Like me, you also here read ‘in some previous patents of the same applicants there have been disclosed some devices designed to provide similar seal…’

 

 

The Tight Seal Device of Maria & Giuseppe Panerai

 

 

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2009-06-26 21:27:22

Interesting point, POY.

The thing is, but you know it better than anyone else ( at the exception of the old Panerai Team, of course ), that things are always complicated with Panerai, and that as it was a secret defense, and as Panerai lost a lot of ( if not all ) documents, it is very hard to get some concrete informations.

The only way to get these infos is to go at the " Source ", I mean these gentlemen, first owners or watchmakers of the very first time.

About the protecting crown device, let me add that finally, I prefer the Panerai Vintage without it than with it.

Funy, as, at the beginning, I preferred to have it.

Without, the watch looks so pure that is is a pure delight!

Thanks for another interesting post, my friend.

Best,

Nicolas
This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-06-26 00:03:23

You are right, a lot of unknown is also due that it was once only a military secret.  But, a lot of documents were not authorized to be made public, and many other documents are stored, unsorted and or scattered at Piazza Galileo Ferraris, well at least till 4 years ago.  I find it unfortunate that the current owners do not thoroughly dedicate time and efforts to accurately documents the history of Vintage Panerai, it might be soon too late for some of that info.

About with or without the Protective Crown Device, for sure with it is what as this far conquered most followers, and it is so charismatic! I always preferred without it, because undoubtedly those without the Tight Seal Device are embedded with history of courage.  But, and I also like those with it.

Sadly, it seems that the Knoweldge chain is a bit broken...

Best,

Nicolas

(Those 2 pages failed to upload earlier, it would be nice if a kind moderator would add them to the head post, thanks in advance)

The Tight Seal Device of Maria & Giuseppe Panerai

the logic seem to be since it is military secret, there's no need to patent it-by registering a patent, you have to reveal yr secrets. cf  formula of Coca cola. I don't think Northcorp will patent their stealth bomber design.

Design and the how to is one thing, but Northcorp patented every technical aspect that is in relation to their developments.

of a CG that predates mid 50's.

The 6152-1 serial number (124XXX) puts these watches (according to Rolex Geneva, if asked on an individual watch) in 1954-5.

It may well be that the CG was developed at an earlier stage and that post war financials/priorities/etc. prevented from this invention to realize. But until proven otherwise, I think the CG was used first on 6152-1 in the mid 50's. I also think the 6152 and 6154 predates this.

 

Ahh, the mysteries of Panerai,,,,gotta love it

 

Asi

At the end of a book 'Rolex' written in 1988 by Georges Gordon, the author shows pictures and sketches (the type that can only come from one source) of original watches with watch-case and references, he dates the 6152-1  (with the tight seal device) back to 1943

In some telephone discussions I had with Rolex Geneva, I was told by the 2 people in charge of Rolex Patrimony and achieves department that the 6152-1 is according to them a watch of 1945, but I too know that when providing them a serial number, suddenly the info jumps to 10 years later!

I understand some of the current conclusions made by some, based on serial numbers, but they are contradicting with all other sources (Marina Militare, Officers, writers and Panerai in Firenze AND by Rolex)

We must continue to work on this subject till certain.  I welcome anyone to participate in this open discussion in hope to soon we find the anwser ;-)

Oh Yes it does,

This article published in 1994 says:

Panerai of the 40's, made for the Italian 'incursori' of the Marina Militare sold for 4 100.000 lira

I... well I am sure, WE at times wish to have been at the right place, at the right time, or rewind time... LOL

This message has been edited by PoyFR on 2009-06-27 01:16:54

that have no vested interest. I think these experts do not make a real effort to be accurate in their description. You brought a piece from 1994 - here is one 10 years earlier, 1984. Of course saying a watch is from WWII is more attractive than saying a piece is 30 years old

 

 

 

 

Cheers,

Asi

 

Sad, but true.

Best,

Nicolas, a vintage guy.

No message body

Did you read...? 'Limited Edition' ;-) you may not trust them, but someone had a crystal ball ;-)

I know what you are saying, those experts aren't like us ;-) however in general a few were described and dated, specially those in the 80's, even if we doubt the accuracy of their statements, some 'experts' have either researched or acquire their data from original owners.

This message has been edited by PoyFR on 2009-06-27 09:24:01