OMEGA | SEAMASTER PLANET OCEAN XL, 22 SPECIAL AIR SERVICE, REFERENCE 22005200 MILITARY STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, HELIUM ESCAPE VALVE AND BRACELET, CIRCA 2011
Description
OMEGA
SEAMASTER PLANET OCEAN XL, 22 SPECIAL AIR SERVICE, REFERENCE 22005200
MILITARY STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, HELIUM ESCAPE VALVE AND BRACELET
CIRCA 2011
Dial: black
Calibre: cal. 2500 automatic, 27 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw-down crown and back
Case number: 85'068'045
Closure: stainless steel Omega bracelet with integrated folding clasp
Dimensions: 45.5mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 250mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Accessories: International Omega Warranty dated 2011, Omega Chronometer Certificate, Omega user manual, hang-tag and presentation case
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Condition report
DIAL: dial and hands in excellent condition
CASE: in excellent condition, still bearing original protective stickers to the bracelet clasp and sapphire crystal
MOVEMENT: running at time of cataloguing, date advancing, seconds hack when crown is pulled out
Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion
Please note: Condition 11 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers (Online Only) is not applicable to this lot
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."
Catalogue note
In addition to the SAS Rolex Explorer II ref. 216570, Sotheby’s is delighted to include in this sale an equally elusive Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean reference 22005200, delivered to an SAS member in 2011.
The British Special Air Service (SAS) was founded in 1941 as a Special Operations division of the British Army and has ever since remained one of the most respected military organizations in the World. In spite of its absolute secrecy, the unit is rumoured to employ 500 active soldiers who undergo extreme recruitment and training programs. Considered as the pinnacle of a military career, the SAS motto “Who Dares Wins” perfectly describes the conquering spirit pioneered by its recruits.
The present watch is part of the confidential run sold to both enlisted and former members of the Special Air Service’s 22nd Regiment. The strong 45.5mm stainless steel case is designed to withstand the most hostile environment whether in the air or below the sea thanks to its helium escape valve and antimagnetic properties. Its profile bears the motivational “Always A Little Further”, quoting ‘The Golden Journey to Samarkand’, a poem written by James Elroy Flecker, which the 22nd regiment members are pressed to partially learn and retain during the selection process. This inspiring piece of literature is inscribed on the Clock Tower in Hereford and is of great emotional importance to the regiment. The back of the timepiece bears the Winged Dagger, emblem of the SAS, juxtaposed by the resonating motto “Who Dares Wins”. However, the most singular element to the back remains the personal military number, identifying the actual owner and SAS 22nd Regiment member. This serial number is referred to as the “Zap”. It is described as every recruit’s new identity, as these reference codes are used in all communications, allowing the soldiers to remain anonymous to the outside world.
This SAS Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean XL remains in exceptional and unworn condition, still bearing some of its original protective stickers. Furthermore, the watch is sold on behalf of its original owner, translating into collector vocabulary as the most direct and fascinating provenance one could wish for.