• cal. UT6497 nickel lever manual winding movement, 17 jewels • black dial with luminous baton indexes and Arabic numerals, luminous baton hands • stainless steel cushion-form case, screw-down engraved case back • dial, case and movement signed • with a stainless steel Panerai buckle

Manual winding movement in working order when cataloging. Dial is very good condition, nice and clean. Case with visible superficial scratches around bezel and minor scuffs to the band. Buckle with normal wear. Guarantee booklet indicates that the watch has returned from a service in Richemont in 2012. Please note the movement has not been tested for time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

With a Panerai guarantee booklet and presentation box.

Founded in 1860 by Giovanni Panerai, this Florence-based watchmaker was the official supplier of watches and precision instrumentsꩲ to the Regia Marina (the Royal Italian Navy). In 1993, Panerai finally launched its products to the civilian market and the rising popularity caught the attention of The Richemont Group (then Vendôme Group), which acquired Officine Panerai in 1997.

Watches made for the public m🗹arket  while the brand still belonging to the Panerai family from 1993 to the acquisition of the company by the Vendôme group in 1997 are usually called "pre-Vendôme" modelဣs. The basic pre-Vendôme range consisted of some 44mm hand-wind watches with the classic 44mm Luminor case, and some 42mm Mare Nostrum chronographs.

The present watch ref 5218-201/A belongs to this very exclusive group of "pre-Vendôme" models.  Featuring UT 6497 movement, displays hours and minutes only, this reference is also known as "logo Luminor" by the aficionado, based on its distinctive "OP" logo on the dial. With its 44mm stain💧less steel case, it was without doubt one of the largest timepiece offered at that time, leading the trend of large watch case of the next two decades up until now.