Luminor Panerai 47MM Reference 6152-1

Luminor Panerai

47MM Reference 6152-1

This stunning original Luminor Panerai [Reference 6152-1] was produced in the late 1950s for the Italian Royal Navy, and it was auctioned by Antiquorum in September of 2005 in New York for only $59,800. Today it is worth at least $150,000. The beauty of this watch model lays in its absolute simplicity. Panerai watches that only have an hour and second hand are typically referred to as a Base Panerai model–as in, Basic.

The Aniquorum description was fascinating. It read:

"Luminor” Officine Panerai, “Luminor”, Ref. 6152-1. Made in the late 1950s for the Italian Navy. Fine and very rare, large, cushion-shaped, water-resistant, stainless steel military diver’s wristwatch with Panerai buckle.

Signed Rolex, three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back, straight lugs, winding-crown with security lever, anti-magnetic dust-cap. D. Two plate; black upper plate with pierced Arabic numerals and indexes over a luminous-coated lower plate. Radium-coated "bâton" hands. M. Cal. 15 3/4''', signed Rolex, rhodiumplated, "fausses côtes" decoration, 15 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring. Dial signed Panerai; case and movement signed Rolex. Dim. 47 x 47 mm. Thickness 18 mm.

Anselmo Grimoldi : Has worked in the field of horology for over 50 years with an enormous amount of passion, curiosity and dedication. He has recently launched his own brand of watches and jewellery bearing the name “Grimoldi”. In the early 1980s he was introduced to a former military man Dr. Rossi who told him the story of the unique instrument maker that is The Officine Panerai. This story fascinated him and led to his spending the next 25 years searching for the elusive original models made for the naval commandos of the Italian navy as well as the commandos of other Mediterranean Navies. 

This impressive collection comprises examples of all of the various types made utilizing both Rolex and Angelus movements including the “Egyptian Commando” and the only example of a vintage left handed Panerai. Anselmo Grimoldi's belief in this brand lead to him approching 3 admirals when they took control of The Officine Panerai to negotiate the sole distrubution rights for Milan which they granted him. Later when the company was bought by the Richemont group he and his close friend Angelo Bonati who took over the day to day operations of the company, and often askes Grimaldi his oppinion as a world renowned expert on the brand. 

When asked what he felt about selling his collection he said “ I feel sad to separate myself from my collection, however thanks to the devotion and expertise of the team at Antiquorum, I am sure they will find new homes with other passionate collectors such as myself who are on a constant search for these exceptionally rare watches with a story as unique and original as their design.”