Rolex

Rolex has a storied and famed relationship with military organizations in the pages of history. The now legendary Rolex Mil-Sub of the British army is the most famous collaboration among the watch community, another example being the Tudor Marine-Nationale Snowflake. What is sometimes not known is that Rolex has collaborated with an armed force in the 21st century, creating a modern version in the same realm as the Mil-Sub or Snowflake of old. 

The Special Air Service of the United Kingdom is globally known and respected as one of the most elite special operations divisions. In 2012, Rolex granted their serving members the chance to own a special and personalised Explorer II reference 216570 to commemorate their time as a part of the SAS. Reference 216570 is one of the most rugged contemporary Rolex watches, with 100 meters of water resistance and durable stainless steel bezel and case construction, it is perfectly suited to be issued to SAS operatives. Each watch came fitted with an engraved case back with the SAS emblem (a dagger with wings) along with the servicemen’s own initials and unique serial number, with the left caseband engraved with the SAS mantra “Who Dares Wins”. 

The present watch is consigned by the original owner, who was a United Kingdom special forces soldier (UKSF). He served with both the Coldstream Guards and 22 SAS. He was active in Afghanistan and was awarded several high honours for his valour. Five medals as well as artifacts he brought back from his tours are also offered in this lot. The medals were awarded for service for his country and for suppressing terrorism worldwide, and are engraved with the soldier’s name, his unique Military number and regiment with whom he served in the theatre of operation which all correspond with the “ZAP” number (Personal Identification Number) engraved on the Rolex watch. 

Two examples of the soldiers dangerous and discreet operations for which the medals were earnt include; being rapidly deployed to operate behind enemy lines in Afghanistan and disrupt the Al Qaeda network(s) in November 2001, shortly after the September 11th attack(s) in the United States of America in 2001; and operating amongst the people (local populous) of Baghdad in Iraq in 2003-2006 conducting specialist covert surveillance operations and intelligence gathering in the fight against terror.

The accompanying “Escape Maps” were used in both the aforementioned areas of operation and were issued to the soldier specifically to aid him to escape and evade capture / detection whilst navigating to safety, should a situation arise where he was cut-off from his support group, or the circumstances became untenable. The maps are specifically designed and constructed to be carried in such a manner that they minimise discovery if caught and were sewn into the clothing of the soldier during his missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

An original “Testimonial of Service” is included within the lot, signed by the soldiers Commanding Officer (22 SAS) and authentically “stamped” by the Regimental Administrative Office, Headquarters Hereford Garrison. A testimonial is given to a soldier upon their retirement from service. It validates and summarises their characteristics, attributes and achievements during their service

This present lot is a very compelling opportunity for collectors to acquire a Rolex armed forces collaboration and with genuine provenance belonging to a brave warrior.