Tweet
The SLC torpedo ridden by a crew of two, packed with up to 300kg of high explosive. SLC was mounted by its two brave crew members and guided towards its intended target, an enemy warship or cargo ship.
The first successful action took place on the night of 18th December 1941. Three SLC’s succeeded in entering the harbour of Alexandria, Egypt. Sinking the battleships HMS Valliant and Queen Elizabeth. The British Royal Navy, whilst not amused by their loss, were nevertheless sufficiently impressed by the means employed by the crafty Italians to initiate the development of their own human torpedoes.
The PIG & Italian Divers. Officially named the Siluro a Lenta Corsa (lit. slow running torpedo) or SLC it was quickly baptized the Maiale (pig) by its crews due to its poor handling qualities.
By the 1930s the workshops were making a range of wrist-worn instruments for frogmen; compasses, depth gauges. In 1935 Officine Panerai were commissioned by the Italian Navy to construct watches for use underwater, specifically ones that could be read underwater. After some initial prototypes Officine Panerai delivered it's first product diving watches in 1938. These were fitted with Rolex movements (and Rolex crowns and casebacks).
1936 Panerai Reference 2533 47mm First Prototype. Owned by Francesco Ferretti who is one of the most important vintage Panerai connoisseurs in the world. They are located in his museum located in his new showroom in Montecatini Terme, PT. This image shows one of the first Rolex made Panerai Reference 2533 prototype models..
Now that I know why most of ROLEX owners they honour PANERAI. From my point of view they know the history.. Sorry if I wrong I always do..
The first successful action took place on the night of 18th December 1941. Three SLC’s succeeded in entering the harbour of Alexandria, Egypt. Sinking the battleships HMS Valliant and Queen Elizabeth. The British Royal Navy, whilst not amused by their loss, were nevertheless sufficiently impressed by the means employed by the crafty Italians to initiate the development of their own human torpedoes.
The PIG & Italian Divers. Officially named the Siluro a Lenta Corsa (lit. slow running torpedo) or SLC it was quickly baptized the Maiale (pig) by its crews due to its poor handling qualities.
By the 1930s the workshops were making a range of wrist-worn instruments for frogmen; compasses, depth gauges. In 1935 Officine Panerai were commissioned by the Italian Navy to construct watches for use underwater, specifically ones that could be read underwater. After some initial prototypes Officine Panerai delivered it's first product diving watches in 1938. These were fitted with Rolex movements (and Rolex crowns and casebacks).
1936 Panerai Reference 2533 47mm First Prototype. Owned by Francesco Ferretti who is one of the most important vintage Panerai connoisseurs in the world. They are located in his museum located in his new showroom in Montecatini Terme, PT. This image shows one of the first Rolex made Panerai Reference 2533 prototype models..
Now that I know why most of ROLEX owners they honour PANERAI. From my point of view they know the history.. Sorry if I wrong I always do..
... Not fully unwrapped yet...
Comment