Why military watches are cornering the pre-owned market at auction

With the recent launch of the MP45 monopusher chronograph by revived wartime dial name Vertex and last month's unveiling of Bremont's Ministry of Defence-backed Armed Forces Collection, watches with a military vibe are currently all the rage Collectors know better - and will no doubt be sweating the details at Watches of Knightsbridge on March 16 when almost 50 military-issued pieces come under the hammer Aside from the military Rolex models that remain the hottest property in the sector, the other wartime maker that's currently enjoying the spoils of victory is Panerai.

The stellar price achieved for the watch may have helped to restore confidence in historic Panerai models following a dip in prices due to a slew of fake and un-authenticated watches finding their way onto the market - a situation highlighted by marque fanatic and 'forensic horologist' Jose Pereztroika who has 'outed' a large number of suspect Panerai and Rolex pieces on his perezcope.com website There was no doubting the authenticity of the military Panerai sold by Birmingham auction house Fellows last month £52,316 The sale of the watch direct from Rowson's family - complete with his hand-written account of the events surrounding its 'acquisition' - quickly prompted the consignment of another Panerai with a very similar story that will now be sold by Fellows on April 4.

After hearing of the sale of the Rowson Panerai, Capt Packer's son, John, realised he had a valuable item on his hands and now stands to raise up to £30,000 from the sale of the watch, which will include his father's personal diaries, service records, military tunic and Reconnaissance Regiment badges. . Source