Wabi
"Wabi-sabi" represents a
comprehensive Japanese aesthetic. It
is difficult to explain wabi-sabi in
Western terms, but is sometimes
described as beauty that is imperfect,
impermanent, or incomplete. A
concept derived from the Buddhist
assertion of the first noble truth,
"Dukkha", Wabi-sabi occupies
roughly the same position in the
Japanese culture of aesthetic values
as do the Greek ideals of beauty and
perfection hold in the West. In the case
of watches, many collectors use the
term to describe the patina, or
imperfect "wear and tear" that comes
from years of use, but adds beauty.
"Wabi-sabi" represents a
comprehensive Japanese aesthetic. It
is difficult to explain wabi-sabi in
Western terms, but is sometimes
described as beauty that is imperfect,
impermanent, or incomplete. A
concept derived from the Buddhist
assertion of the first noble truth,
"Dukkha", Wabi-sabi occupies
roughly the same position in the
Japanese culture of aesthetic values
as do the Greek ideals of beauty and
perfection hold in the West. In the case
of watches, many collectors use the
term to describe the patina, or
imperfect "wear and tear" that comes
from years of use, but adds beauty.
At Auction
In September of 2005 the renowned
auctioneer Antiquorum sold three
different examples of the original
Rolex-Panerai "Kampfschwimmer".
The closing sale prices ranged from
$46,000 to $69,000.
In September of 2005 the renowned
auctioneer Antiquorum sold three
different examples of the original
Rolex-Panerai "Kampfschwimmer".
The closing sale prices ranged from
$46,000 to $69,000.
1938A "Kampfschwimmer"
Replica
Case Diameter: 45 mm
Case Height: 14.5 mm
Case length: 45 mm
Lug Width: 26 mm
Movement: Unitas 6497 hand wind,
17 jewel, 18,000 bph, 46hr power
reserve.
Case material: Stainless steel
Crown: non-screw down
Water resistance: 50m
Replica
Case Diameter: 45 mm
Case Height: 14.5 mm
Case length: 45 mm
Lug Width: 26 mm
Movement: Unitas 6497 hand wind,
17 jewel, 18,000 bph, 46hr power
reserve.
Case material: Stainless steel
Crown: non-screw down
Water resistance: 50m
The 1938A is a modern reproduction of the watch originally issued to German "Kriegsmarine
Kampfschwimmers" and Italian "Grupo Gamma" Navy combat divers during WWII. The
original watches were manufactured for Panerai by the Rolex Watch Company beginning in
the year 1938, hence the name 1938A.
This particular watch is new, but was cosmetically altered to look old. Watch collectors like to
use the term "wabi" to describe the patina that develops from age and use. The "wabi"
process applied to this watch included replacing the sapphire crystal with an acrylic, yellowing
the lume on the dial and hands, removing the modern engraving from the case back and bead
blasting the case. The blasting removed the high polish and created a soft glow, like old
oxidized metal. The dial was also rotated to put the winding crown on the left side.
Kampfschwimmers" and Italian "Grupo Gamma" Navy combat divers during WWII. The
original watches were manufactured for Panerai by the Rolex Watch Company beginning in
the year 1938, hence the name 1938A.
This particular watch is new, but was cosmetically altered to look old. Watch collectors like to
use the term "wabi" to describe the patina that develops from age and use. The "wabi"
process applied to this watch included replacing the sapphire crystal with an acrylic, yellowing
the lume on the dial and hands, removing the modern engraving from the case back and bead
blasting the case. The blasting removed the high polish and created a soft glow, like old
oxidized metal. The dial was also rotated to put the winding crown on the left side.
