greg_r 82 Posted June 30, 2010 Being that this is a vintage Rolex based on a Panerai, I really had no flamin' idea what subforum to put it in - could be in any of the three. I finally decided to put it in the Rolex subforum purely to annoy Brightlight This is a Rolex (or Rolex/Panerai - or Panerai/Rolex - or yes, a Rolerai ) 6154. The story of this watch is a complex one. It all started with watch that appeared in an auction at Antiquorum back in 2006 - eventually selling for around $86k. A second watch was also sold by the same auction house a year later for $200k Allegedly, only six of these were built by Rolex. The story is that when Rolex stopped making watches for Panerai back in 1954, they had some Radiomir Small Egiziano 6154 cases left in stock, so they decided to produce these watches. The design is interesting, looking almost like a 5513 Sub dial had been stretched to fit the larger case... Whether this story is actually true is dubious - some experts have claimed that the provenance of the watch is highly questionable as it was virtually undocumented before its first appearance at Antiquorum. Whether genuine or an elaborate fake, the combination of Rolex dial and 6154 case has fascinated me ever since I first saw the photos. Being both a a fan of Rolex and a certified Panerai nut, this seemed like the perfect watch for me. Shortly after I found the cartel so-called 'rep' of this watch. Unfortunately, whilst cheap at about $100, it's a complete joke, being in entirely the wrong case. However, I also came across DSN's much more accurate rep (thanks to hk45ca who posted some wonderful photos of his own 6154 over at RWI). I was smitten, but for some reason it took me quite a while to get around to buying one for myself (I'm easily distracted by other nice watches and at the time I was also desperate for a high-end Fiddy amongst others... ). Anyhow, having been thinking about this watch for getting on for two years, I recently decided that it was now or never - this has been a grail rep for me for far too long - so contacted DSN and ordered one. It is not a model that DSN holds in stock, so it took about 10 days for him to have one custom-built for me. It arrived just 4 business days after payment, which is pretty impressive. All in all, I have to say that DSN is an absolute pleasure to do business with - his English isn't that good, but keep your messages simple and things work out just fine. Anyway, here's the watch. The 6154 case is the same size as a Fiddy case - but without the CG. This makes it wear a little smaller. The crystal is a tall domed plexi and the dial has a nice vintage look to it. I love the look of this thing - the extreme depth of the crystal + rehaut makes it almost like looking down into a pool from some angles, and the indices and hands have a real glow to them. Gorgeous. Speaking of glow, the vintage lume is far better than I expected it to be, and whilst not torch bright is more than acceptable. Anyhow, I will NOT be beating this watch up to make it look 50 years old; it's far too pretty for that. I ordered it with the bowtie hour hand as per gen (unlike the sample in DSN's photobucket), which is worth mentioning if you decide you want one. It's powered by a Moljna movement modified with Rolex-engraved bridges (which is astounding at the price, I have to say - I was expecting a 6497) and came with both closed and display casebacks I.'ve left the display back on for now as the movement is so pretty, but the closed back is the correct one. DSN supplied two straps with it, both of them with GPF ModDep buckles. They're both pretty decent straps, but they don't do the watch justice - to which end I've fitted a vintage-style strap from Getat that has been well beaten up and really looks the part. It's also the most comfortable strap I own. The most impressive thing about this watch is the way it feels. From the finish of the case to the action of the crown when adjusting or winding it, everything feels like a seriously expensive gen. It has exceeded my (already high) expectations by some margin. I think I have a new all-time favourite watch. I also think I might be just about done with PAMs now. I have a 10 capacity box for my PAMs and there's now only one space left. I probably have to fill that remaining space on general principle, but that's gonna be it, I think, unless, of course, I decide to sell something and end up with another space - nature abhors a vacuum, you know . Anyhow - enough of this drivel. Here's some lousy pics - I'll take some better ones later: 1. As it came from DSN 2. The movement - purty, ain't she? 3. On the well-vintaged Getat strap, which is a lot more comfy than the DSN straps and really suits the watch imho... Better pics to come Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dingle 57 Posted June 30, 2010 nice G still lmao about Rolerai Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebzen02 341 Posted June 30, 2010 Oh..now you are entering the big leagues...my question is..how do you explain this to people..lol..it doesn't have a cyclops and a shinny bracelet... Edit: even your photogs skills have improved with this watch already! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebzen02 341 Posted June 30, 2010 Forgot...how much is he selling these for? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KBH 7 Posted June 30, 2010 It's a beauty. How do you feel about wearing a $200,000 watch, though? Isn't that out of your price range or do you drive a Ferrari that we don't know about. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailboss99 996 Posted June 30, 2010 What happened to not spending any more money? Col. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Member X 91 Posted June 30, 2010 LOL He is weeeeeeak... Looks great though, I quite like it Chances of being called out are slim I imagine! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg_r 82 Posted June 30, 2010 Oh..now you are entering the big leagues...my question is..how do you explain this to people..lol..it doesn't have a cyclops and a shinny bracelet... Edit: even your photogs skills have improved with this watch already! No explanation - let 'em struggle. As for the photos, no, they're lousy - I've taken much better. I just need to get around to doing it properly. It's a beauty. How do you feel about wearing a $200,000 watch, though? Isn't that out of your price range or do you drive a Ferrari that we don't know about. Well given what it cost me, I feel just fine. Yes $200k is out of my price range, but what the hell Given that nobody outside us lot will have a clue what it is, I don't think it's much of an issue. No Ferrari btw - not my kinda thing What happened to not spending any more money? :P Col: good point. Um. In my defense I've been wanting one of these since before the old board went down... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brightlight 0 Posted June 30, 2010 Very nice, and I can forgive everything for the name on the dial. Isn't it a pity Panerai didn't take a lesson from Rolex and produce decent watches like this instead of those things with the carbuncle on the side and the silly lever thing Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scope 3 Posted June 30, 2010 Great watch greg. That movement looks new? I wonder if David is sourcing new Russian movements. It does not look like the old 3602 movements to me. Just when I thought I was content with my 6152-1...... Damn you Greg! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg_r 82 Posted June 30, 2010 Great watch greg. That movement looks new? I wonder if David is sourcing new Russian movements. It does notlook like the old 3602 movements to me. Just when I thought I was content with my 6152-1...... Damn you Greg! To be honest, mate- I have no clue. I had been told that DSN was having difficulty sourcing these and as a result I was actually expecting a 6497 and a closed case back! I was absolutely delighted to find this movement in the watch... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AustinTech 0 Posted June 30, 2010 That's pretty damn nice! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AllergyDoc 40 Posted June 30, 2010 I remember the thread about these on old RWG. How much does DSN sell them for? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GC 4,517 Posted June 30, 2010 :P :woo: :woo: G, I think you know how much I like this beauty... but I'll say it again anyway FCUK"N PHENOMENAL!!!! Luv the choice of movt you opted for too!!! Enjoy her for many many years to come mate. btw & fwiw: it's not a Rolerai it's a Panlex Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg_r 82 Posted June 30, 2010 Thanks GC. The movement was an unexpected pleasure - long story. Very, VERY happy though. Going to be a while before this one comes off the wrist, I suspect... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AllergyDoc 40 Posted June 30, 2010 Is the price a secret? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg_r 82 Posted June 30, 2010 Sorry Doc - missed your first post. I'll drop you a PM... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sconehead 5 Posted June 30, 2010 Nice looking PX G...I can vouch that DSN's aftersales is good in the unlikely event that it's needed...looks like an 18j Mollie to me, known by some in repland as a 3602 (not sure if that's the correct designation for it myself though, I like to think of it as a 3603 because of the crown wheel being different to the previous models)... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg_r 82 Posted June 30, 2010 Well that's as clear as mud. Thanks anyhow, Scone Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KinCaidk 0 Posted June 30, 2010 Soooo fucking beautiful, G!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebzen02 341 Posted June 30, 2010 Man..Seriously I think that I might start offering up my kidney's (taking pics as we speak:)) in the sales section, cos I need rep cash..I will not stop until I have a nice 6152/4.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg_r 82 Posted July 1, 2010 Took a couple more pics today: Wristie: erm... "keyboardie:" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KinCaidk 0 Posted July 1, 2010 stop it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
