Special Forces Rolex for Sale

[BZA]

It has been sold already

http://www.watchclub.com/w6593/rolex...who-dares-wins

[venom43]

Originally Posted by BZA

It has been sold already

http://www.watchclub.com/w6593/rolex...who-dares-wins

Well that answers the question about black or white dial.
Didn't say for how much??

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by venom43

it would say wear me.....said it was in mint condition....obvious it was never worn.
Beautiful engravings on the case back. People go crazy for rare things... If rolex did the engravings...someone would pay more then £20,000 at an auction.

great post!

[nickb732]

Who on earth paid £20k for that??

[The Joker]

Doubt it left the Rolex factory with that case back, so basically you are paying the extra 15k for an engraved case back, that's madness.

[Daytonaman799]

I think it's very cool. No different than a Somazzatori or COMEX. The SAS had Omegas and Breitlings done as well over the years. Most guys keep them and a very few were sold. I truly hope the soldier who sold it just wanted to make some money as opposed to being in dire need.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by The Joker

Doubt it left the Rolex factory with that case back, so basically you are paying the extra 15k for an engraved case back, that's madness.

+1.

[Beef]

Originally Posted by sierra11b

Or a class ring or whatever... For this reason I dislike the JLC Navy SEALs line. I realize they're a catalog item for JLC and that most SEALs have likely never seen one let alone bother owning one, but I could never feel comfortable having never rated as one.

I could see someone scooping this up as an impulse buy just to own but if I saw "who dares wins" engraved on some guys watch better believe I'm going to inquire about it.

I wasn't aware of the JLC SEAL line. Luminox is famous for that, too. I don't know how many SEAls wear them. NFW has introduced the Walt Shumate line of dive watches. A member of this forum who is an active duty SF officer had some input on the design. They are actually good quality watches and are fairly popular with guys on SCUBA teams. And a lot of retired SF guys. Some have the SF crest on the face. There was a 7th SFG(A) edition for a while.

I am not surprised that some of these SAS editions are going to be up for sale. A lot of people out there will gladly pay the inflated price to own one. Same with the Special Reconnaissance Regiment Exp II. I won't speculate on why, as long as they don't make wild claims. While the SAS is justifiably world renowned, the troopers aren't paid much. The chance to make a 300% profit is attractive. I know several MACV SOG guys who have sold their famous SOG issue items just because they are getting up there and can use the bucks. Sad, but true.

From what I understand from the SRR edition, Rolex does the engraving. This edition was reported on this forum to be awarded for achievement, not for sale. IDK if that's correct. What baffles me is the "Who Dares Wins" on the side. The SAS truly have been traditionally very secretive and low key, like CAG (Delta.) Unlike SEALs. And if you dispute this, go to Amazon. New memoir every day. BTW, like your screen name! I used to go by 11B4SierraWhiskey7. Then it got changed to that 18 thing.

[Onikage]

So are these a Rolex sanctified special edition? Or just an Explorer II with added motto and modified caseback that someone wants 20k+ for? We've seen this "only 100 made special edition military" crap before.

[Starbucksboss]

THE DAILY MIRROR!

Deserves no further comment.

[strafer_kid]

Highly unlikely that if this watch was in fact owned by a member of British Special Forces, that it was ever taken into action. Let's face it, no such units are going to advertise or identify themselves by carrying something with their named on it! A basic model that had been in action somewhere is likely to be more sought after. That said, unless you have been a member of such a unit or even affiliated in some way, why would you wear such a watch? It just would not seem right!

[locutus49]

Being retired military, I would not want to own a watch from a service to which I did not belong. To me, it is for wanna-be's. People who fantasize about being special.

No offense intended to potential buyers. Just one opinion.

[Onikage]

These watches are an absolute con imo, and no disrespect to servicemen when I say this. They are absolutely NOTHING like the Milsubs or Comex or others that were actually MADE for a purpose and not adapted under the pretense that they'll be worth something. What's more, they appear to be knocked out by the same group, adding a motto, insignia and supposed limited run number. I'm sorry but down the line I can see a lot of upset people who "invested" in these.

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by locutus49

Being retired military, I would not want to own a watch from a service to which I did not belong. To me, it is for wanna-be's. People who fantasize about being special.

No offense intended to potential buyers. Just one opinion.

Could not agree more. Stolen valor.

[novan3]

The "Who Dare Wins" on the side make it feel tacky.

Project X Designs Stealth Sub does it better IMO.

[Eulogy]

Originally Posted by Beef

I wasn't aware of the JLC SEAL line. Luminox is famous for that, too. I don't know how many SEAls wear them. NFW has introduced the Walt Shumate line of dive watches. A member of this forum who is an active duty SF officer had some input on the design.

When I read this post it rang a bell. I have an 1803 DD that I believe belonged to Walt Shumate. I got it back in 1990 from a retired SF guy who I worked with back in Washington, DC and who apparently got it from Walt.

It was only after reading this thread that I thought back trying to remember the name of the guy I got it from. I know he died some time ago so I looked up Walt on Google hoping to find out. I didn't realize all the stuff he did that made him kind of famous. The SF dive school in Key West is named after Walt.

So I decided to look at the only paperwork I got with the watch, an appraisal by a Jeweler in Fayetteville, NC done for Walt. The watch dates from the early 60's but I don't know if Walt was the original owner and I doubt it. But this sure is a case of 'if this watch could talk'!






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[Beef]

Originally Posted by Eulogy

When I read this post it rang a bell. I have an 1803 DD that I believe belonged to Walt Shumate. I got it back in 1990 from a retired SF guy who I worked with back in Washington, DC and who apparently got it from Walt.

It was only after reading this thread that I thought back trying to remember the name of the guy I got it from. I know he died some time ago so I looked up Walt on Google hoping to find out. I didn't realize all the stuff he did that made him kind of famous. The SF dive school in Key West is named after Walt.

So I decided to look at the only paperwork I got with the watch, an appraisal by a Jeweler in Fayetteville, NC done for Walt. The watch dates from the early 60's but I don't know if Walt was the original owner and I doubt it. But this sure is a case of 'if this watch could talk'!






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Wow!! That is amazing!! Walt Shumate's watch... Walt is right up there in the pantheon of SF heroes with Billy Waugh and Dick Meadows. I had the privilege to meet both once. Walt's son is an active duty SF officer. He spoke at the dedication of the SFUWO school in Key West and gave approval to NFW for use of his name on the dive watches. I have been told by a couple of CAG friends that Walt's famous handlebar mustache is framed in the HQ building.

You have a real treasure there! Guard it closely. Whatever you do, protect that documentation. And if you ever feel charitable, donate it to the JFK SWC Museum. I know that they'd love to have it! Thanks for posting!

[Daytonaman799]

Originally Posted by The Joker

Doubt it left the Rolex factory with that case back, so basically you are paying the extra 15k for an engraved case back, that's madness.

Just an FYI. Omega did something very similar a few years ago but the engraving on the side of the case said 'always a little further' quoting the poem, The Pilgrim, that has special meaning to them. The case back also had the winged dagger badge. The watch in question was also all done by the factory. I still think it's a cool piece but understand how it pushes some hot buttons.

I own a COMEX 16600 but I certainly don't think I'm a saturation diver. Nor would I ever pass myself off as one. I'm simply a watch collector and like things that are a little more rare.

The Sommazzatori is very similar to this as it was all done by the factory and that alone makes it rare. Out of the 78 made it seems a fair number have traded in the secondary market for large sums.

This watch is an interesting momento in the same vein. Obviously there is a market for it as one sold last year for 35k CHF at auction. It's an interesting footnote for. Rolex as these commissioned watches are rare and only done for those deemed worthy by the company. That makes it interesting not just from the unit that commissioned it but also in the history of Rolex manufacture. What price that's worth is up to the market. In this instance hopefully the soldier is happy with the money he made and the buyer respects the piece for its part of horological history and respects the lineage of the unit it commemorates.

[Onikage]

There has so far been little evidence that these are infact officially commissioned by Rolex and not just engraved by an outside source. Rolex are ok with people engraving their watches and will service an engraved piece without replacing parts. Unlike with ProjectX/Prohunter mods. So the question remains - Are these made by Rolex? Or is someone adding a modification that Rolex are "OK" with that they can pass off as Officially Rolex commissioned under the pretense that they are valuable Rare SAS or Sea King MODELS. Daily mirror articles and people turning up to TRF with wonky looking letters (apparently ex-servicemen with appalling com skills, grammar and spelling) multiposting the rare "Seaking Rolex" don't convince me anyway.

[Welshwatchman]

I'd not be at all surprised if the watches were ordered through WOS Bond St Rolex AD.

They handled the "Seaking" and "Clearance Diver" commissions.

Good business for the dealer, selling 400+ watches, great for the sellers and if the buyers are happily handing over the extra £20,000 for the novelty, good for them too.

I admit to have paid nearly £500 for a freaking Beanie Baby as a gift to my mum, a collector at the time.

The market tanked in a tulip sort of way and it's worth a tenth of that now but I don't regret it at all since it made my mum happy.

[Onikage]

Ah, each to their own. I'm overthinking this. If someone is happy with a never used SAS man's watch engraved for his unit then good for them.
That was very nice of you but it'll upset Peter if you inspire a "Your Rolex and Beanie Baby" thread.

[sierra11b]

Originally Posted by Beef

From what I understand from the SRR edition, Rolex does the engraving. This edition was reported on this forum to be awarded for achievement, not for sale. IDK if that's correct. What baffles me is the "Who Dares Wins" on the side. The SAS truly have been traditionally very secretive and low key, like CAG (Delta.) Unlike SEALs. And if you dispute this, go to Amazon. New memoir every day. BTW, like your screen name! I used to go by 11B4SierraWhiskey7. Then it got changed to that 18 thing.

Yeah my ASIs weren't nearly as cool nor impressive as yours. 11 'sierra' was long gone once I enlisted (in my 30s now). Little time in Batt, 82nd, LRSD, and finished my enlistment scooping up students at Mackall LvlC.

Originally Posted by Beef

You have a real treasure there! Guard it closely. Whatever you do, protect that documentation. And if you ever feel charitable, donate it to the JFK SWC Museum. I know that they'd love to have it! Thanks for posting!

+1

[tomfang]

The price should be more proper matched on Prince Harry's EXP II 42mm.

[dysondiver]

who cares who wins ,,,, i think for that price id like the spacing between special , and air , to be a bit nicer ,,,,
not feeling its a bargain , now throw in a proper mil sub , and you would be talking.
wonder who did the case back , do rolex usually do case sides as well.
not seeing a limited edition number either ,,,, nope ,,, not for me.

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by Daytonaman799

The entire watch was done by Rolex at the factory

Just an FYI. Omega did something very similar a few years ago but the engraving on the side of the case said 'always a little further' quoting the poem, The Pilgrim, that has special meaning to them. The case back also had the winged dagger badge. The watch in question was also all done by the factory. I still think it's a cool piece but understand how it pushes some hot buttons.

I own a COMEX 16600 but I certainly don't think I'm a saturation diver. Nor would I ever pass myself off as one. I'm simply a watch collector and like things that are a little more rare.

The Sommazzatori is very similar to this as it was all done by the factory and that alone makes it rare. Out of the 78 made it seems a fair number have traded in the secondary market for large sums.

This watch is an interesting momento in the same vein. Obviously there is a market for it as one sold last year for 35k CHF at auction. It's an interesting footnote for. Rolex as these commissioned watches are rare and only done for those deemed worthy by the company. That makes it interesting not just from the unit that commissioned it but also in the history of Rolex manufacture. What price that's worth is up to the market. In this instance hopefully the soldier is happy with the money he made and the buyer respects the piece for its part of horological history and respects the lineage of the unit it commemorates.

But you offer no proof of this? How can you be so sure. And what's Omega got to do with it?

Not even sure the Sommazzatori dial and engraving mods were done at the Rolex Factory. http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...t=SOMMOZZATORI Either way it seems Rolex agreed/authorised this watch, Guido Mondani has given it his seal of approval. I doubt we will see this SAS or the seaking pop up in one of his books.

Happy to be proved wrong.

[Welshwatchman]

Originally Posted by Daytonaman799

In this instance hopefully the soldier is happy with the money he made ...


... and the buyer respects the piece for its part of horological history and respects the lineage of the unit it commemorates.

I'm not at all sure about the lineage thing but if you look at the transaction along the lines of a wealthy collector donating a large sum of cash to an ex special forces member in honour of his services then I guess it makes some sort of sense, sort of.

In that scenario, the watch, once re-sold should be worth its original MRSP, surely since the kind deed is already done.

I've heard that the negative buzz around these commissions have reverberated back to HQ and that they will be a little less forthcoming to rattle these things off in the future.

Don't expect a firefighter edition anytime soon.

[Roller07]

The Daily Mirror calling them the rarest and most collectable watches in the world.

What a joke.

[enginerd]

Originally Posted by eightbore

"What color is the boathouse and Hereford"?

Awesome movie...no Rolex spotting though . Two of my favorite cars in that movie however, the BMW E34 M5 and the Audi D2 S8. I sold my M5 but still have my S8 (and yes, that movie made me want both!).

[enginerd]

Originally Posted by enginerd

Awesome movie...no Rolex spotting though . Two of my favorite cars in that movie however, the BMW E34 M5 and the Audi D2 S8. I sold my M5 but still have my S8 (and yes, that movie made me want both!).

Oh right, always forget...pics or it never happened.

1994 Euro spec M5 (only '94 Euro spec registered in USA)
2002 Audi S8 (1 of 417 imported to USA in 2002)