PANERAI - a very rare and special stainless steel Second World War military Diver watch head.

PANERAI - a very rare and special Second World War military Diver watch head. Stainless steel case with "Kurt Kohlrusch" engraved to the case back. Reference 3646, serial 1010049. Signed manual wind Rolex movement. Black dial with baton hour markers, quarterly Arabic numerals. Brevet screw-down crown. 47mm. Together with a military issue jacket, a photograph, military records etc.

A historic military Panerai watch head acquired from a German diver during WWII. Captain Alfred Packer of 43rd Reconnaissance Regiment acquired the watch during Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands, in September 1944. The watch will go under the hammer with Captain Packer's military issue jacket, photograph, military service records and a fascinating personal diary depicting the events of the regiment in 1944.

During Operation Market Garden the German frogmen, or Kampfschwimmers, attempted to thwart the Allies from securing a route to Arnhem. The frogmen were unsuccessful in blowing up a bridge at Nijmegen, and were eventually captured by the Allies, where it is believed the watch was acquired.

The Panerai head was passed down to Packer's son, and it has been kept in a drawer since, without being worn. The personal diary entries show how Packer and others contributed to the capturing of Kampfschwimmers.

Fellows previously sold a similar Panerai in January 2018, belonging to George H. Rowson who joined the Reconnaissance Corps from January 1942 until December 1943. Rowson would have served alongside Packer during the Second World War, making this the second piece of history from the time-period Fellows have had in auction in the past year.

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