Just read Panerai Historia - From the Depths of the Sea

[Atomic]

Our fellow TRFer and fellow paneristi, Launch Mini sent me a copy of this book (thanks again, John).

While the translation to English is a tad rough in spots, I was flabbergasted to learn how integral the Panerai watches and other navel and aviation gizmos were to the war effort of Italy in both 'World Wars' (ahem, for both sides).

The Panerai truly was/is the original professional diver's watch. These things were designed in 1935 (the initial Radiomir) and into production shortly after that. Granted, the movements and cases were manufactured by Rolex, HOWEVER all to S. Panerai's own designs. The original Rads were waterproof to a depth of 200m, in 1938!!

Having read this book cover to cover, I was also amazed by the bravery of the Gamma Swimmers and the 10th Flotilla, who rode torpedo-like vehicles through anti-submarine and torpedo nets (stopping to cut their way through the wire mesh), into harbours, under ships where they would place an explosive on a timer and speed away to safety (sometimes). One raid alone sank over 60,000 tons of British warships!

This new found knowledge really exacerbates my pride in owning a Panerai with a history, while not big on 'haute horologie' per se, but big on functionality in the worst conditions, is something any watch manufacturer would kill for. Plus the fact that Panerai has vowed that production will not exceed more than 40,000 pieces a year is also pretty cool, i.e., not cashing in and upping production to a point where Pannies become as 'common' as Rolex. :bartmoon:

If you have a panerai and don't have this book... GET IT.

Thanks again, John. :thumbsup: :smokin:

[padi56]

Did have six copies of the book ,gave the last one away about 6 months ago a great read.

[GMTIIPilot]

I have a dumb question, how do you pronounce Panerai.
Is it like Pan-air-a?

[Roverdave]

Where can I get a copy? I've got a BASE and a 221 on order, and am in the process of picking up a 111 as well. I would LOVE to read up on the history of this great company!!

[w4rmk]

pan-err-rye

http://www.w4rmk.com/pan.jpg

[Launch Mini]

These books were "free swag" form my AD for me recent additions.
There should be more swag showing up in the dealers hands sometime in July.
Call your AD, see what they have and if you can get some.

[padi56]

These books were "free swag" form my AD for me recent additions.
There should be more swag showing up in the dealers hands sometime in July.
Call your AD, see what they have and if you can get some.

Yes they were free but at one time on fleabay in the UK they was selling for up to £50.My watchmaker friend got mine for me,they had a lot of copies for some sort of promotion a few years ago.And the shop moved so I was lucky he brought me 6 copies home,but I gave them all away except for my one,must say a good read.

[Roverdave]

The AD that I purchased the BASE Logo from and have my 221 on order with said that they only have the one copy left for the shop. If anyone has a copy that they would like to sell I would pay for it and the shipping...

Thanks!!

[dman]

The AD that I purchased the BASE Logo from and have my 221 on order with said that they only have the one copy left for the shop. If anyone has a copy that they would like to sell I would pay for it and the shipping...

Thanks!!

Dave, I am going by my AD to pick up a strap that order awhile back. If they have one, I will grab it for you and ship it out. I will know tomorrow by lunch. :cheers:

[Atomic]

Dave, I am going by my AD to pick up a strap that order awhile back. If they have one, I will grab it for you and ship it out. I will know tomorrow by lunch. :cheers:

This is what the Panerai brand is all about... sharing the passion! :cheers: :thumbsup:

[Roverdave]

Dman-you are the man!

Hopefully they have one, please let me know if it costs you anything and what shipping will be and I will be sure to fire funds off to you ASAP. If you get this before you go to your AD, let me know if they have a 111 in stock and what it could be had for. My local doesn't have one and says he probably won't until sometime after my 221 comes in as he has deposits for three already...

Thanks!!

[dman]

Dman-you are the man!

Hopefully they have one, please let me know if it costs you anything and what shipping will be and I will be sure to fire funds off to you ASAP. If you get this before you go to your AD, let me know if they have a 111 in stock and what it could be had for. My local doesn't have one and says he probably won't until sometime after my 221 comes in as he has deposits for three already...

Thanks!!

Deposits??? That is nuts, these things are free. :dummy: :dummy:

Anyhow, I went to the AD today to get a couple of straps and she said that she would have some in about a month or so. She will save one for me and I will ship it to you when I do. No worries on the cost, just paying forward what many of Paneristi has done for me in the past. :thumbsup:

[dman]

No 111's mate, sorry. They were pretty lpw, but they did have a new RG Rad BASE, YUMMY!!! :thumbsup:

[dman]

pan-err-rye

http://www.w4rmk.com/pan.jpg

Daylight, I love it!! :thumbsup:

[Atomic]

Dman-you are the man!

Hopefully they have one, please let me know if it costs you anything and what shipping will be and I will be sure to fire funds off to you ASAP. If you get this before you go to your AD, let me know if they have a 111 in stock and what it could be had for. My local doesn't have one and says he probably won't until sometime after my 221 comes in as he has deposits for three already...

Thanks!!

Daren's other strap supplier has a used 111 for sale. It's listed on the sales corner at www.panereh.com under Steve Toronto. :cheers:

[Roverdave]

Cool, I'll check into the panereh website!

The local AD, or I guess the guy I deal with has deposits for three 111's, not the books. Sorry for the confusion.

I can't thank you enough for snagging a book for me when they come in! I will definitely pay it forward when the opportunity presents itself!

Thanks again!

[dman]

Cool, I'll check into the panereh website!

The local AD, or I guess the guy I deal with has deposits for three 111's, not the books. Sorry for the confusion.

I can't thank you enough for snagging a book for me when they come in! I will definitely pay it forward when the opportunity presents itself!

Thanks again!

Okay, cool. As soon as I get my hands on one, it will be in the mail to ya. :cheers: