As close as possible to the 5218-218A full story

Oct 04, 2010,11:44 AM
 

I hope you will enjoy it.

 

The Black Seal 5218-218A

This is no doubt the controversial Pre-Vendome watch

 

This piece was first projected very early 1996, drawn and specified in mid 1996, final specifications in December 1996, re-specified & re-final drawings in January or February 1997 by Panerai in Firenze.  Delay and re-specifications happened because all Pre-Vendome pieces did not meet success expectations (not happening fast enough), already in financial difficulties, Panerai in Firenze wanted to minimize their cost of production and therefore wanted to ‘self’-produce or produce locally their latest watches.  Even if the Black Seal watch project was planned for production in 1996, commercially expected by the Panerai in Firenze agents for September 1996, to produce locally took some times to put in place and it was slow, thus explaining why the watch only saw the light of sun in late 1997. 

 

All Pre-Vendome watches were produced in Switzerland by the Frères Guenat (Company Name: Montres Valgine), all but 5218-209 5218-210 5218-218 which are the very last watches specified by Panerai in Firenze, those last, had been produced in Italy, Coro Spa (Italy) for the cases, and by Fabiano Alessi ‘Croem’ for all fittings and adjustments, movements et dials were sourced by ‘Valgine’’s subcontracted companies.

After the acquisition of Panerai by Vendome, Coro (Italy) was initially chosen to produce the post Vendome watch cases, but past the first 500 Pre-A series cases, Vendome decided to end their contract and the company ceased its activities.

 

The 5 pieces 5218-218A Black Seal were in fact completed and released only in late 1997 Post Pre-Vendome era. A secret, a surprise to all but one, in Mai 1997 Panerai in Firenze had sold all their rights to watches and instruments to Vendome, this resulting that officially Panerai in Firenze which continued its other activities as Panerai Sistemi spa, could not officially accept delivery of those watches.  However and somehow someone at Panerai Sistemi took delivery of those pieces.  I believe that most of the 5 pieces were kept till the end of Panerai Sistemi spa in 2000 (1999/2000 ) then all the 5 pieces were sold.  Somehow 1 piece (probably even 2 pieces,) is with current Panerai (The CEO was photographed sporting one on wrist, photo somewhere on web), a private party purchased 2 pieces, one temporally stayed with the original recipient and I believe one was with the ex-Panerai distributor 1993-1997 (Gioie).

 

In 2002 (2001?) a Few Panerai enthusiasts were aware that some direct and indirect parties of the ex-Panerai in Firenze together with in the complicity professional parties as well a freshly established horological company were ‘producing’ some Pre-Vendome pieces. Even if partly assembled using some new old stock parts, none of those that were seen or discussed (often online) had the full original configurations, despite the resemblance and whatever certifications, they are simply put, nothing short of FAKES! Although legally in Italy, it seems that if a watch is 66% made of original parts it is considered as authentic, sold by ‘genuine’ people!

 

I believe there are out there in total approx 25 ‘Pre-Vendome Black Seal’ pieces, may be even more, safe for 5 pieces, most are with no case-back markings, no watch numbers, incomplete or reworked packaging, even wrong cases or finishes etc… I am aware of 6 re-replicas of the 5 genuine pieces, their case-back engraving clearly shows the differences, and many of the others are often with blanked or semi-blanked case back.

 

Regardless what anybody else says about the 5218-218A P 001; P 002; P 003, P 004; P 005, they are 5 original and true Panerai Pre-Vendome watches.  Their legal existence can be discussed or challenged but, their authenticity (100%) is entire.  They came out complete; with a Pre-Vendome box (like all previous models), with a named libretto (like all previous models), with a box sticker (like all previous models), with a screwdriver (like all previous models).  BUT Unlike most of those assembled later…

 

Very recently on the web it is said about the 5218-218A something like ‘new researches (what researches QWERTY or AZERTY?) indicate that those watches were assembled by Panerai in Firenze ex-employees’, to me this statement is incomplete and therefore a false declaration.  If it is about the re-replicated 5218-218 then in part it is also a wrong conclusion/deduction.

 

I never before published those below documents; In the past I shared them with a handful amount of people each time specifically requesting the same I am here asking you.

I ASK YOU:

DO NO DUPLICATE, DO NOT COPY, DO NOT PUBLISH OR RE-PUBLISH,

DO NOT HOST AND DO NOT RE-HOST THE 2 (TWO) below DOCUMENTS

 

In those document you will find reference of the Panerai Slytech Black Seal 5218-218A, It is not only referred, it also include its 1997 list price.

 

GIOIE snc, was the appointed exclusive distributor in Italy of Panerai & Slytech Panerai watches from 1994 to 1997 (till the take over by the Vendome group)

 

Slytech Project (1995/1996):  This project was worked on from 1995 and completed in the early part of 1996.  It details what were the plans for the new brand to be: SLYTECH PANERAI




































More posts: 5218-2095218-210Black SealLuminorLuminor BaseLuminor MarinaLuminor PVDPAM001PAM002PAM003PAM004PAM005PAM100PAM500Pendulum ClockRadomirSlytech

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Let's come back in the Past: What's your favourite Pre Vendome Watch?

 
 By: amanico : December 23rd, 2020-16:45
There were several Holy Monsters created by Officine Panerai Firenze from 1993 to 1996. The 5218- 201 / A so called Logo: The 5218- 202 / A Marina Militare PVD: The 5218-203 / A Luminor Marina PVD: ( I don't know who to credit for this superb pic ) : The ...  

my holy grail will be

 
 By: patrickh : October 4th, 2010-04:06
The 5218- 202 / A Marina Militare PVD. Followed by the Mare Nostrum with a smooth bezel (not sly) I expect Panerai will re-produce these 2 models, MN in wearable size (not 52mm) and also a small Egyptiano. Thanks Nicolas for sharing all these beauties Bes... 

A page has turned, Patrickh.

 
 By: amanico : October 4th, 2010-07:09
These watches can't be released again, sadly. The 360 is maybe the closer approach to the Pre V world, indeed. As for new releases, a small Egyiziano, or a Mare 47 mm would also make my day. But this is the Future, not the Past. Best, Nicolas

Hard to pick just one

 
 By: Nicko16 : October 4th, 2010-04:33
The 5218-203 / A Luminor Marina PVD for me. I like the smooth Mare Nostrum as well

Aaah Nicko...

 
 By: amanico : October 4th, 2010-07:12
I think any of them would be a jewel in any collection, well, at least in my opinion. I loved a lot the 2 watches you mentionned. Great choice! Best, Nicolas

For me, the logo is the winner...

 
 By: i_am_Sam : October 4th, 2010-04:40
I love the simplicity of the dial.. Only "LUMINOR PANERAI" and the logo.. Combined with the fat tritium index.. Simple yet stunning... Next will be the Marina Militare 202/A.. The simplicity is close to the logo.. Only it is using MARINA MILITARE wording ... 

Well, Sam, I had them all ...

 
 By: amanico : October 4th, 2010-07:17
And I completely tend to agree with you on the Logo. Exactly for the reasons you mentionned, + the fact that it was, with the Mare and the MM, the first ones to attend the re birth of the brand. But the Logo, and the one I posted, which happens to be mine... 

I enjoy hearing special stories on watches people own..

 
 By: i_am_Sam : October 5th, 2010-01:58
It makes the watch so much more special.. And if in the future I will have the opportunity to get the logo myself (Im day dreaming here), I would want to buy it on a very special ocassion to make a special watch much more special. I see that your logo is ... 

Matching versus non matching, it is all about taste.

 
 By: amanico : October 5th, 2010-02:05
I would say that I prefer a non matching dial in a PVD case, and a matching dial in a non PVD case. But I had several times the possibility to see both of the Logo, matching and non matching, and I can tell you that what matters is to get the Logo, and wh... 

I like it the other way around...

 
 By: i_am_Sam : October 5th, 2010-06:49
I like Non-Matching on the logo and Matching on the Marina Militare.. But this is only my judgment from the pictures... I've only seen the matching Logo.. I hope to be able to see them in metal side by side... Cheers, Sam

One of them was too special to me, this one had something more...

 
 By: PoyFR : October 4th, 2010-05:40
I seem to recognize it ;-) (picture below) Recent time flies. Already it is about some 14-17 years ago, unwanted marvels then, today almost unreachable jewels for most, they all generate special emotions to all their owners. My pick, truly all of them.

Picture here (sorry)

 
 By: PoyFR : October 4th, 2010-05:44
...  

Yes, POY...

 
 By: amanico : October 4th, 2010-07:19
This Logo is familiar to you, my friend. Still at home, or better, on my wrist! I think it will be the last Panerai to go, because of its special story, because it is a friendship watch, and because of its owner! Best! Nicolas.

well well well

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : October 5th, 2010-09:18
to go!!?? can you please wrap it up for me :0) Best Damjan

Don't touch, Damjan... It is my Logo. :)

 
 By: amanico : October 5th, 2010-23:04
LOL, but True. Best, my good friend. Nicolas

Indecision... :)

 
 By: amanico : October 4th, 2010-07:19

Nico ...

 
 By: p@trice : October 4th, 2010-06:58
... The Black Seal isn't a controversial watch? Is it really a Pre Vendome watch, or was it really made by Pre Vendome? I would like to know more about this watch, as I found no serious information on it till now... Best Patrice

Hey Patrice, the wolf is out of the wood. :)))

 
 By: amanico : October 4th, 2010-07:23
I know part of the full story, but wait we are lucky one of our esteemed member did many of the legs works, let me phone him to get him to post it It is an amazing and very interesting story, and I think he's the only one in the Panerai Community to know ... 

Nicolas...love the MM and the Black Seal..

 
 By: ocwatching : October 4th, 2010-09:50
first I have heard the "controversial" label...more info please! each are so yummy with the T-dials...

Will try my best to convince my friend to dedicate a post on this topic.

 
 By: amanico : October 4th, 2010-10:32
And believe me, a very interesting topic. I used to own the Black Seal Sly on the pic I posted. We'll see if my friend accepts. Best, Nicolas

As close as possible to the 5218-218A full story

 
 By: PoyFR : October 4th, 2010-11:44
I hope you will enjoy it. The Black Seal 5218-218A This is no doubt the controversial Pre-Vendome watch This piece was first projected very early 1996, drawn and specified in mid 1996, final specifications in December 1996, re-specified & re-final drawing...  

My good old friend strikes again !!! :) :) :)

 
 By: Ben C. : October 4th, 2010-12:04
Thank you so much for this intersting and amazing post !!!! Talk to you soon. Ben C.

Fantastic bit of info...

 
 By: Aless156 : October 4th, 2010-13:58
that was great to read PoyFR. Really informative and interesting. Lovely watches Nicholas.

Poy's answer is " La Creme de la Creme ", indeed, Aless.

 
 By: amanico : October 4th, 2010-14:03
You can search everywhere, these documents have never been posted before. I'm very happy to see that POY accepted to share with us this part of History. Thanks for your kind words. Best, Nicolas

Thank you so much Poy

 
 By: Gelato Monster : December 23rd, 2020-17:08
Thank you Nico A true enlightenment

The Slytech Project is the Bible of the Modern Panerais ...

 
 By: amanico : October 4th, 2010-14:00
It is clearly stated that 70 pieces were to be made in Gold or Platinum... We know that in 1997, the Pam 21 was released ( 60 pieces in platinum ). Then this document clearly speak about the Dual Time ( GMT ) and the Submersible. We know that these watche... 

WOW...EXCELLENT!

 
 By: ocwatching : October 4th, 2010-14:36
THANK YOU for the history lesson. Very comprehensive (despite that I can't read Italian)! Thank you so much for sharing such valued info on a very rare bird. the adage "learn something new everyday"

Thanks PoyFR !!!

 
 By: p@trice : October 4th, 2010-15:08
Il vaut mieux un qui sait que 100 qui ... Déblatèrent Best Patrice

Wow this post should be in its own thread!! [nt]

 
 By: AnthonyTsai : October 4th, 2010-19:50
No message body

What a story!

 
 By: syncsean : October 4th, 2010-21:22
218, not so mysterious anymore, all due to your excellent story. Thks for sharing. Learnt a lot.

Enjoy it ... no ....

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : October 5th, 2010-09:38
I absolutely love it .... for so long long time I craved for this piece of info about "dark horse" of preV What fabulous story!!! What tremendous piece of Panerai history! Thank you for sharing all this Pre-V Panerai jewels with us ... rarely though... bu... 

Held this document in hand...

 
 By: jeronim : October 6th, 2010-01:05
D.G. showed me copy(maybe original not sure) would love to know that dr.Vlahovich,very Croatian sure name Best Jeronim

Well it is possible that some people forget their promises...

 
 By: PoyFR : October 6th, 2010-10:22
Hello, I think I know who you are referring to. It is me, a long time ago that gave him a copy! anyway no arms in showing to enthusiasts. Anyway it is better now that it is here for everyone. Best regards to you.

POY.FR...

 
 By: jeronim : October 8th, 2010-04:37
sorry if I made some problems,didn't know that was confidiental :-( Best regards, Jeronim This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-10-08 07:29:26

My friend, no worries what so ever

 
 By: PoyFR : October 8th, 2010-07:08
and nothing to worry about, you are not the one who broke trust, and anyway it does not matter... Best to you and your family.

good I didn't make

 
 By: jeronim : October 8th, 2010-07:58
any mess around here. thanks for best wishes,same to you and same for Olimpic Marseille! Y. love that club since you guys bought our A.Boksic not to mention Skoblar Best regards, Jerolim

.... and you are not the only one

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : October 6th, 2010-14:02
maybe it's time for us to find him you never know maybe he have 2 Blackies for us. Pozdrav Damjan

Fantastic information Poy!!

 
 By: i_am_Sam : October 6th, 2010-17:22
Thank you for the very detailed information.. Best, Sam

You have done us a great kindness!

 
 By: kkochheiser : December 23rd, 2020-19:33
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Kent

My favourite PreV Panerai's are

 
 By: michaelvl : October 4th, 2010-07:34
1. 5218-202/A from the 1994 batch with matching dial and the same fat numerals as the 5218-203/A. 2. 5218-304/A love the plain bezel.

Luminor and Mare...

 
 By: amanico : October 4th, 2010-07:37
A hard to beat Duo! I can perfectly understand you, Mchael. Best, Nicolas

Mine is this,,,,,,BUT,,,,a special one ;-)

 
 By: Asimut : October 4th, 2010-10:17
g A ref 5218-201/A prototype,,,,,, And Nico, if you consider the Blackseal why not consider the blue indices daylight? Cheers Asi...  

On,e problem at a time, Asi. :)))

 
 By: amanico : October 4th, 2010-10:35
First the Black Seal Slytech, then the Daylight Slytech... You got the one on the pic, Asi? Hope you have great time where you are, with all the other guys! Best, Nicolas.

If I did, would it be a dream?

 
 By: Asimut : October 4th, 2010-11:17
it belongs to our friend DU,,,,,,,,,,I first saw it in 2004 and couldn't forget it since What guys? I am slaving here with no fun at all! Asi

Yes, there are eternal dreams, my friend.

 
 By: amanico : October 4th, 2010-11:20
Come on Asi, come and slave here in Paris, Bijo! Best, Nicolas

I try to call, line is always busy!

 
 By: Asimut : October 4th, 2010-11:49
g ...  

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly... A Legendary Pic...

 
 By: amanico : October 4th, 2010-11:52
Who is the crook in the middle of the pic? Best, Padre Shlomo! Nicolas

Asi, I have a question on the blue indice daylight..

 
 By: i_am_Sam : October 5th, 2010-02:00
I once saw the picture, but never really told about the story behind it. Can you tell me a little bit about it? Best regards, Sam

wall to wall agreement on the first part of the story

 
 By: Asimut : October 5th, 2010-04:57
but real fuzzy about the rest.... Story is Stallone received less than 10 pieces of the Daylight (most likely 7) and didn't like the blue on white and therefore returned these to Panerai to be redone with black as subsequently were all Daylights. That's w...  

Thank you for the information Asi...

 
 By: i_am_Sam : October 5th, 2010-06:56
It's always intriguing to hear stories about "controversial" watches like this one... The look of the watch is not my cup of tea.. But it is definitely a very unique specimen that has a mysterious charm to it... Best, Sam

LOL Asi about the " Entrepreneur Family " ...

 
 By: amanico : October 5th, 2010-07:08
I never understood anything about these Blue Daylight Slytech... 7 to 11, 11 to 7... Who really knows? YO? One thing is sure, this is not the kind of stuff I woiuld go for. Best, Nicolas

I agree with 7, allow me to add a little more

 
 By: PoyFR : October 5th, 2010-08:04
Sylvester Stallone ordered 20 pieces of the 207/A, he wanted them rapidly (for if I remember correctly his birthday party), Panerai in Firenze arranged to rapidly deliver the first 10 pieces together with other pieces (201A & 205A). On arrival/delivery St...  

Funny, POY, I was on to post this scan, too...

 
 By: amanico : October 5th, 2010-08:10
As it came with my ex Daylight Slytech... Whose number is corresponding to those mentionned on the invoice. For sure, an impeccable provenance! Best, Nicolas...  

rewind back a little, about the inglorious meum ....

 
 By: PoyFR : October 5th, 2010-08:25
a boat for the fools. Then, the crew could hold on one boat, now it seems they are filling up an entire fleet, e Viva L'Italia!...  

And now, I just spitted my soup! :)

 
 By: amanico : October 5th, 2010-11:51
Damn, POY, I'd better not read your answers anymore! The Ship of Fools... How long since I didn't see it? An eternity! I hope nobody will ask us the story behind this one. Best, Nicolas Tattaglia.

Crazy cool Paneristi picture! Matt [nt]

 
 By: MattS : October 5th, 2010-13:01
No message body

Let me jump in to your boat for a cruise....

 
 By: i_am_Sam : October 6th, 2010-06:42
That is the most amazing panerai collection I've ever seen.. I would like to know what model is the one on the front left, it looks like a 201/a destro... Amazing collection.... Best, Sam

I would not recommend you to jump into this boat...

 
 By: amanico : October 6th, 2010-10:23
It was called the Ship of Fools, and there is a reason behind this nickname, sadly... Best, Nicolas

In my case...

 
 By: E.J. : October 4th, 2010-13:49
I´ve not seen nothing like the Marina Militare...is just sublime. And I´ve been so lucky because I´ve admired it on the flesh... thanks hermano. Late, I love the Logo. It represents the essence of Panerai (I think that I´m going to buy tomorrow a 000 or a... 

With your Bomba, Emilio

 
 By: amanico : October 4th, 2010-14:05
Yuo have a part of the Slytech era! You know it, if you ever consider letting go your Bomba, you know who to call! As for these Pre Vendome watches, they are killer pieces, for sure. Love them all. Best, Hermano. Nicolas

Simple for me Nico....

 
 By: Marc(Cap) : October 4th, 2010-19:42
Gotta say it doesn't look bad with the new models either......  

Sublime 203/ A, Marc.

 
 By: amanico : October 4th, 2010-20:38
And in stunning condition, too. I had a nice one in my collection,, and as said before, these Pre V are pieces I regret having let go. Seeing yours makes me thin about mine... Best, Nicolas

That's very beautiful Marc...

 
 By: i_am_Sam : October 5th, 2010-02:04
This one look so similar to the preA4 yet is different. The font and the index are nicer on this one.. I hears that the PVD coating on this particular model is stronger / better compared to the other one? Is that true?? And by better does it mean that it ... 

Thanks Sam...the 5218-203/A's had a different PVD finishing...

 
 By: Marc(Cap) : October 5th, 2010-09:03
They were originally all supposed to go to the Marina Militare...you can still scratch them...it is just a tad more resistant

Thank you for the information Marc!!

 
 By: i_am_Sam : October 6th, 2010-06:01
Such an amazing collection you got there... Cheers, Sam

Do I really need to answer that one? :0)))

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : October 5th, 2010-09:20
Well the Icon THE LOGO Damjan

You'd better... :)

 
 By: amanico : October 5th, 2010-11:22
Good choice, and good answer! Best, my friend. Nico in Palermo.

My favorite would be

 
 By: kglaw : October 5th, 2010-23:24
the 5218-203/A followed by the 5218-201/A logo. I think these two would be a great pair to keep.

Excellent selection.

 
 By: amanico : October 5th, 2010-23:42
Luminor, Luminor Marina PVD, yes, this is a superb Duo. Both of these pieces need some time to be fully appreviated, to feel their strong and charismatic power. You have great taste! Best, Nicolas

for me...

 
 By: jeronim : October 6th, 2010-01:12
and my dream is 201A 203A is really military looking tool by far 202A nice dial and font 218A mystery 301A stylish and from Progetto pam 40,that is one gooood looking Marina !!!! Man I love tham all! Best Jerolim

Impeccable taste, and great passionate answer, Jerolim.

 
 By: amanico : October 6th, 2010-03:32
Love your list, my friend. Too sad it is now reaching the sky! Best, Nicolas

my choice is made ," the return of 502" for me Nico :)

 
 By: sub : October 6th, 2010-02:35
if you'd add the " almost preV" pam 21 , i 'd vote for it nice pics my friend. Ivan...  

My favourite Duo, Ivan.

 
 By: amanico : October 6th, 2010-03:31
Can't get rid of these 2, my friend. " Il Ritorno de Due Orologi de leggenda ". An historical pair! Best, Nicolas...  

It's gotta be....

 
 By: sirjo : October 6th, 2010-05:52
the 202 PVD for me. No particular reasons, to be sure, but that's the model that has me...salivating.... Cheers - Sergio

As said, Sergio ...

 
 By: amanico : October 6th, 2010-10:25
I regret this one has gone from my collection... A spectacular look, indeed with these 4 pretty balanced lines. Yes, this is an excellent choice! Best, Nicolas

MM PVD

 
 By: Gelato Monster : December 23rd, 2020-16:52
Next would be 5218-205 Darkness

you should not have let go the Black Seal

 
 By: Gelato Monster : December 24th, 2020-04:02
that is the panerai if you can only have one ultimate

MM 👍👍👍👍

 
 By: Gelato Monster : December 24th, 2020-09:53

Yes...

 
 By: amanico : December 24th, 2020-09:55
...  

Goddess of the sea

 
 By: Gelato Monster : December 24th, 2020-09:58

Nicely put!

 
 By: amanico : December 24th, 2020-09:59

Much as I can't help....

 
 By: sergio : December 23rd, 2020-17:49
salivating after the 202A MM, it's the LOGO for me

My favorite watch is the 5218-202/A Marina Militare

 
 By: JohnFM : December 23rd, 2020-19:00
... but the color and finish of the case on the 5218-203AA Luminor Marina is stunning.

I am with you, here.

 
 By: amanico : December 23rd, 2020-23:33

Well, while the Mama Mia will forever remain out of reach...

 
 By: kkochheiser : December 23rd, 2020-19:14
My greedy little hands were just able to grasp the Logo! I just pulled it from the safe to wear (and maybe shoot some new photos) for Christmas. It still causes my heart to skip a beat. Kent ...  

That would be my very great pleasure!

 
 By: kkochheiser : December 24th, 2020-05:38
Better days ahead!

‘67 Duetto. Had it since new.

 
 By: kkochheiser : December 24th, 2020-13:17

A huge +1.

 
 By: amanico : December 24th, 2020-14:32