Rolex

Rolex has built a tremendous and coveted brand without relying on limited edition productions or custom orders, making the exceptions and allowances even more sought-after in today’s market. Such pieces are very often commemorating a historic event or embarked on professional adventures to be used as reliable tools.

The present lot represents a distinguished rarity—a limited edition production of only 150 pieces—to commemorate the transfer of the Panama Canal from the United States to the Republic of Panama in 1999. Among these, 75 were crafted in stainless steel and another 75 in steel and yellow gold, exclusively for Mercurio Joyero, a revered retailer in Panama. It marked a moment of profound national pride for Panama, symbolizing the end of the 1977 treaties that granted the US control over the canal.

This collectible Submariner bears subtle yet distinctive cosmetic differences that set it apart. Its dial proudly showcases a white emblem representing the Panama Canal, flanked by the inscription "Panama Canal / Canal de Panama" above 6 o’clock. On the reverse, each watch is delicately engraved with a limited edition number along the periphery of the screw down case back. The present example is numbered 56 out of 75.

In a landscape where Rolex manufactures nearly a million watches annually, the astonishingly low production count of this edition elevates it to the status of a true modern Rolex treasure, sought after by collectors for its rarity and historical significance.