I bought a controversial watch...

[dotcomakazee]

The "Rock X Marina Militare", also known as RXW.

There's quite a story behind this company. Most notably, they were sued by Panerai and put out of business so the watches are no longer in production.

http://patrickwatch.hp.infoseek.co.jp/

I don't know what your thoughts are, but, in my mind, this is NOT a fake Panerai. And the watch is an interesting piece because there is an interesting story behind it.

The watch is remarkably well built for the price and has a Swiss ETA movement.

This was the perfect "beater" watch for me for swimming, etc. and the price was right.

Thoughts?

[dotcomakazee]

Also, the sandwich dial and the GREAT luminova was a big plus...

[TattooedGQ]

nice looking watch, i'd get one if I could find one.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by TattooedGQ

nice looking watch, i'd get one if I could find one.

PM sent




Cheers

[dotcomakazee]

Here's a reviwe from Padi

padi5627 June 2005, 02:06 AM
Quote from web site.

Despite it's look, it is ABSOLUTELY NOT a Panerai replica.

It is a replica of the first 1937 Marina Militaire, made for the Italian navy (Marina Militaire), Rolex movement... Here is a pic of the original ROLEX MM below(note the abscence of any 'Panerai' branding on the dial. It was NOT a Panerai, and never was, only made by them)!



In every sense, all Panerai watches made today, are copies of this original. Panerai have now made their own replica of this watch, called the '1950', but this is NOT as authentic as the MM20.

The originals had what is called a 'Plasmir dial' Essentially this is one dial on top of another. The lower dial is completely covered with the luminous compound, and laid on top, with a gap of about 0.5mm is the second, with the indecies cut out, allowing the lower dial to shine through. This results in a much brighter picture at night. Interestingly, it is because of the dial cutouts, that the distinctive 9 and 6 numerals are not complete... if they had been, the centres would have fallen out!

The case is an EXACT copy of the original, where Panerai is not. The Panerai has a completely different, and easier to machine profile.

Here is the full specification of this Extraordinary Swiss made watch watch:

47mm dia 316L stainless steel case, hand brushed to a matte finish, with hand polished bezel.

Sapphire domed crystal, glare proofed on both sides.

Soft iron case proofed to 1000gauss/AM 80,000 milgauss.

Handwound Unitas 6497 movement.

26mm lug width. (Tubes and crews attachment for strap)

100m waterproof.

Stainless steel screw back.



Stainless steel crown locking lever.



The watch comes on a HANDMADE, and hand stiched Connolly leather strap, from Connoly of London, by Royal appointment to HM Queen. The lug attachments are reinforced with a second steel tube



A second strap, also hand made, and hand stitched, made from tube reinforced horse Leather, which is 100% seawater proofed.

BERGEON, screwdriver for strap removal, and a combination springbar tool/screwdriver for strap/buckle removal. This elegant tool is made from stainless steel, and has screw on covers for each end so that you can keep it in your pocket.


A Handmade (in England) Birds eye maple wooden casket, which has fitting points for the spare strap, and the two tools.

1 year manufacturers warranty.

Price around £530




This watch is an absolute Bargain.... quality and specification that is as good, if not better than anything Panerai has produced (except perhaps the movement decoration) The straps alone cost £65 each!

The watches are a limited edition, and are available only on the Internet, and only from the manufacturer.. (see link).

Thes watches are in VERY GREAT demand, and in June, were selling USED for more than the purchase price.... a 41mm version sold last year, can now fetch DOUBLE!!

I got mine via a wanted advertisement on the internet... I have been advertising for one since November. I needed an EU purchase, to avoid UK Import and VAT taxes. This one was bought from an owner in Germany, and was new, and unworn, and cost Eu 910, or about 25% more than purchase price.

An explanation as to why this watch was built, by the designer:
All pictures from web site


http://www.rockxwatch.com/eng/deep.html



Manufacturer

I have had the watch for exactly one week, and it's accuracy has been less than 1 sec/day. I cannot fault it in ANY way.

[Trurolexer]

Awesome watch!!! Huge Congrats Buddy!!!

[BarkMaster]

That is one big watch!!!

Looks good. Enjoy!

[Psmith]

Very nice Ty, congrats

I've been keeping an eye out for one of these myself...





Cheers

[wisguy]

If that's not a fake Panerai I don't know what is.

Granted, nowhere does it say Panerai, but c'mon...

[ducatidoc]

Certainly wouldn't thumb my nose if one came along. Congrat's on a cool find.

[skyrider007]

Your watch is way cooler than any Panerais. I envy you :D Congrats

[ral]

Originally Posted by wisguy

If that's not a fake Panerai I don't know what is.

Granted, nowhere does it say Panerai, but c'mon...

Its a homage, like the Sandoz Explorer, Invicta Submariner... and tons of other watches which include the ROCKX (ROLEX) Solid Perpetual Date SUBPROMARINE.

The good thing about this watch is that is does not say PANEREX or something... How they were sued I do not know. Normally, military spec watches have been produced by others as homages to the military watch and not a Panerai clone.

[crockey]

Certainly a looker, and for a fraction of the price of the Fiddy

[andrew79]

maybe because old panerai watches don't have panerai name in it?

[arnisador]

Dot,
Why controversial? it is truer to the original than all those Penerai's that came out of the Richmond group since 93'.

The japanese guy who owned KEN TRADING felt they[richmond group who own penerai name] were diverting from the direction those old watches represented, and decided he will make it right. [a purist}

So he made one who is as close to the 39' watch as possible.
Naturally they stoped him from making them after about 600-650 pcs were made.
It is a real beauty,and it gets more attention than any real penerai.

Enjoy the watch, i know i do, and it is a keeper! they are getting harder and harder to find.