Sotheby’s December Auctions to Include Coveted Panerai Watches – Robb Report

Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s has two exciting auctions on the horizon to round out the year. Things kick off today with the Fine Watches auction, which runs through December 12, followed by the Important Watches sale on December 7. The highlight of these sales is a selection of 60 watches from the private collection of the globally known and beloved collector Alan “Hammer” Bloore.

Bloore is an avid sailor who suffered a boating incident about 20 years ago that left him paralyzed from the armpits down. In the wake of the accident, Bloore credits his passion for watch collecting and the watch community for saving his life.

“Without my love of watches, I don’t know where I would find passion,” shares Bloore. “It’s made me who I am, it’s taken me all around the world and brought me friendships that have changed my life profoundly and completely.”

With his connection to boating, Bloore has a particular affinity for Panerai and is considered the single greatest collector of the brand since its inception. Among the 60 watches coming up for grabs, there are a few standouts. The most significant is the earliest known example of a Panerai Reference 3646 ‘B.’ This reference was developed collaboratively between Panerai, Rolex, and the Royal Italian Navy for its Frogmen who needed a reliable and legible watch in extreme conditions during long and deep water dives. For the model, Rolex contributed the caliber 618 and helped with the case design, with the ‘type B’ produced under the Oyster Watch Co. Bloore’s particular example hails from 1941 and is outfitted with its original ‘Pin Dial,’ making it highly rare and collectible.

In addition, there are two other exceptional Panerai watches from Bloore’s collection that are worth highlighting. The first is a limited edition platinum Radiomir Ref. PAM00021. This model is one of just 60 numbered examples ever produced. The particular watch up for sale is complete with its full suite of accessories, including an additional solid case back and case back opening tool, both also numbered 58/60. The lot also includes an original Panerai first aid kit, a 2012 Betarini diver dagger numbered 12/15, and a second PAM00021 strap.

Last but certainly not least among the highlights of Bloore’s Panerai collection is a model with significance both for the brand and within pop culture. The Luminor Ref. 5218-201/A is referred to by collectors as the ‘Pre-Vendome Logo’ ahead of Panerai’s acquisition by Vendôme, now known as Richemont. This model is emblematic of the modern Panerai brand and was made famous on the silver screen on the wrist of the legendary Sylvester Stallone in the 1996 film Daylight.

All 60 watches from the collection of Alan “Hammer” Bloore will be on public exhibition at Sotheby’s New York galleries beginning December 1. For more information about the Fine Watches and Important watches auctions and all of the models from Bloore’s collection that will be up for grabs, visit Sotheby’s website.