Panerai Vintage Pieces (refer to Panerai watches made between the years of 1930-1956, not yet open to the civilian market) are embraced by Paneristi. We are honored to see one of the rare and significant pieces: GPF 2/56 Big Egiziano, also called Egiziano Grosso, which is the archetype for contemporary Luminor Submersible and PAM 341, as well as the first underwater watch with a case developed by Panerai. (Until this time, watches supplied to the Italian navy by Panerai were a combination of Rolex case.)
The unusual size of the underwater watch, produced by Panerai for the Egyptian navy in 1956 only with 60 pieces, set new benchmark at the time. The case diameter was stately 60mm, 66mm including the crown protection system. Actually this is the 2nd underwater watch requested by Egyptian navy. Its predecessor model is 6154 with a 47mm case, so received a nickname of Small Egyptian.
The design of the GPF 2/56 set new Panerai benchmarks. This was accompanied for the first time by the rotating bezel with 5-minute graduation. Furthermore, some GPF 2/56 filled with luminor material while others with radiomir. We can recognize by the words of “RADIOMIR” or “LUMINOR” on the dial.
Features of GPF 2/56:
Sandwich dial with Radiomir or Luminor painted numbers
Movement: Angelus Cal. 240 SF (8 days)
The “8 Giorni Brevettato” symbol at 3 o’clock means 8 days, the legendary PAM 203 is homage to it.
Accompanied the rotating bezel with 5-minute graduation for measurement purpose of a dive
Three indexes for 15, 30 & 45 minutes on the rotating bezel marked in red
Majority of GPF 2/56 produced with polishing. A few models received a matt coating. Our collection is exactly the one recorded in the “Vintage Panerai” reference book (Page 269-271)!
“OFFICINE PANERAI FIRENCE” engraved into the case back in a round form