5 Rolex Military / Special Forces watches that I Love

Favourite 5 Rolexes military / special forces watches
#rolex #rolexmilitary #submariner
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Our Favourite Five this week is based on military watches, specifically Rolex
This week Damian talks about his favourite military and special forces Rolexes - two of which he owns. One of the watches has just sold for $125,000, one is widely counterfeited, but all have been used in active service and have great histories.
Yes there are other military watches. Yes there are other military Rolexes.
Check out this full episode on the Rolex Explorer II 'SAS' edition - • SAS Rolex Explorer II ...
Episode includes:
1. 216570 - Rolex Explorer II ‘SAS’
2. 16600 - Rolex SeaDweller ‘Polipetto’
3. 5513/5517 - MilSub
4. 16570 - Rolex Explorer II ‘SRR’
5. 216570 - Rolex Explorer II ‘Apache’
Chapters:
00:00 Edinburgh Watch Company opening message
00:13 Hello and welcome
00:48 Opening titles
01:23 Wrist Watch Check - Grand Seiko ‘Snowflake’
02:39 History of Rolex & the military
03:35 Rolex Explorer II SAS
05:24 Rolex SeaDweller ‘Polipetto’
06:31 Rolex Submariner ‘MilSub’
08:24 Rolex Explorer II ‘SRR’
09:26 Rolex Explorer II ‘Apache’
10:33 Thank you for watching
11:27 Titles
Each week, your host, Damian will reveal another watch from his collection and talk about its history, the buying story, its design, movement, value and allure. You’ll get an unboxing, stats, sumptuous visuals, and, most importantly - enthusiasm, information, and a real-world view from someone who actually owns these watches.
Thank you for watching
**NOTE - all watches featured are NOT kept at home addresses - they are safely locked up in bank vaults. **
Special thanks
Channel sponsor - Jonathan @ Edinburgh Watch Company - 0131 564 0024
Additional pr images © Rolex SA
Additional pr images © Phillips Auctioneers Limited
Additional pr images © 2020 Crown Copyright
Credits
The Watch Guys are:
Damian Butt
Jason Taylor
Music
Epidemic Sound
Title Sequence
Exentia
TheWatchGuys.tv equipment:
Final Cut Pro x (video)
Sony AX-53 (video)
Rode NT1-A (sound)

[@chrisnewport7826]

In Nam Rolexes were preferred because they took helicopter vibrations very well. They were considered good watches, nothing more. Airborne. Im wearing the same GMT that I got in the ‘60’s.

[@waynedennett9064]

Dr No came out in 1962 the MilSub 1971,it was a submariner with a ill fitting strap in Dr No

[@j.burgess4459]

You're right: contrary to what Damien says here, a Milsub has _not_ featured in any Bond movie. The watch worn by Sean Connery in "Dr No" and "Goldfinger" was a reference 6538 Submariner from the pre-crown-guard era. The closest thing to a Milsub was Roger Moore's reference 5513 Submariner from "Live and Let Die" and "The Man with the Golden Gun". In the former movie it was quite heavily modified by the film props-department, ostensibly having special magnetic powers(!) But it was based on a standard civilian 5513 - and was therefore without military dial, bezel insert and hands.

[@gileswaite9832]

Correct. A 6538 on military canvas strap. That’s why Mr Craig wanted one

[@jas20per]

Not all Mil Sub watches were issued to the working divers. Not all have the engraving on the back with the batch number or the government arrow, they where sort of obtained by supply officers or force members in the know. I have had one of these as new Watches since the 70 s. In the end because of all the fakes I sent it to Rolex UK for confirmation that it was a genuine Mil Sub, they confirmed the date and the naval yard it was delivered to also the watch back was original to the watch. As I obtained the watch in the 1970's well before it paid to fake them though I do keep the Rolex documentation in a safe place.

[@andrewholt3849]

Another top video Damian, bombarded with info and relevant photos. I was a bit skeptical after seeing the previous military inspired Explorer II video you did: I just couldn't believe they'd be wearing something like that on operations, but the Warranty Cards for the Pathfinder Squadron example referenced them. I'm more a fan of the GMT-Master II watches than the Submariner and would have thought a GMT or the more resilient fixed steel bezel Explorer II models had more utility for most military Commando units with everything coordinated to Zulu/ GMT time, like Airline Pilots. Diving is a much more narrow speciality, like the Panerai watches originally developed for the Italian Navy divers. Hopefully you could do the Smurf 116619LB and blue dial 18ct GMT-Master II: My two favourites from your fantastic collection: If your blue dial GMT-Master II has model No 116719BLRO from Baselworld 2018 minus the Rolex coronet at 6 between Swiss - Made signifying it has the outgoing 3186 movement and not the Chronergy 3285 in the 126719BLRO with Rolex Coronet at 6, between Swiss - Made: It was selling for £45K on chrono24 in April 2019 as an anomaly collectors item, like the 116600 40mm Sea-Dweller from Baselworld 2014 - Baselworld 2017. My other favourite Rolex are the Champagne dial Datejust 41 on Jubilee with fluted bezel: assets.rolex.com/watches/datejust/m126333-0010.pdf The champagne dial yellow Gold Sky-Dweller: assets.rolex.com/watches/sky-dweller/m326938-0003.pdf Both the Explorer II you have 216570; the Explorer 39mm 214270 and both Milgauss 116400GV: assets.rolex.com/watches/milgauss/m116400gv-0001.pdf assets.rolex.com/watches/milgauss/m116400gv-0002.pdf The Orange index/ charcoal dial version is very beguiling, even more so than the Platinum Daytona 116506 you featured last week and I tried both on at the same time in Goldsmiths The Trafford Centre and it has a good large dial, like the Datejust 41 and Explorer.

[@wesleymartin6618]

Damian, great job and content, i have been watching your channel from the beginning and just love the format. I noticed in this video you didn't mention how you came to buy such amazing watches. i have great admiration for our armed forces in America and i come from a long line of veterans who have sacrificed a lot for our country and the world. (ww2, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf, Afghanistan. I would hate to know that these guys had to sell their watches do to financial hardships. If they wanted to sell and it would help them i guess i could be ok with owning it. These guy are true heroes and i would like to see them honored. Not Exploited. (not insinuating you did). hopefully my comment does not come across as accusatory. Cheers and God Bless

[@mikeeagletube]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge on this subject!

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

My pleasure!

[@xkukubax]

Now this is what I call a weekend treat. Thank you Damian!

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

My pleasure!

[@ozeskiman]

Another informative WatchGuys video. Always great content. That Apache version is a killer. You are an interesting man with both your collections. Great variety and always the top shelf gear.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Thanks, Tony

[@terryfenner8142]

Interesting video Damien, I always learn something new watching one of your videos 👍

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Thanks, Terry

[@smal1014]

One of your most interesting and informative recordings so far. I certainly enjoyed this bit of information you provided us. Very nice watches too especially the octopus sea dweller and apache explorer.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@barryg3128]

Very interesting episode Damien, thanks for sharing

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

My pleasure!

[@scal2712]

Very good video 👌🏽 could you do a video on the most obscure watch you own? Mine is my Bell & Ross WW2 Bomber Regulator, it's not hugely valuable but I've only ever seen one other in public (which I like, if you know you know) and 'vintage' watches is my quirk.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Yes, that's an interesting idea

[@j.burgess4459]

I actually had a 5513 Milsub in my hands a couple of weeks back. Giles at Watches of Distinction in Lymington was selling one and he was kind enough to let me see it. Nice example: it did have a service bezel insert and seconds hand, both of which were of standard civvy type. But otherwise it was pretty correct - tritium-T dial, sword style main-hands, etc. They are lovely little watches - definitely a kind of grail for Sub collectors. But here's a thing: Giles had another 'normal' 5513, which he also had on a grey NATO strap. Seeing them right next to each other on the counter top I couldn't help wondering whether the Milsub really and truly deserved the premium in value of (if I remember right) 70K over the civvy model? :-0

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Good point, Jay. I too have seen that MilSub at Giles'. I'll have to check out the other 5513. I think you may be right.

[@j.burgess4459]

​@@TheWatchGuysTV According to Giles, these Milsubs were being sold off by the dozen as military surplus back in the 1980s - apparently at that time you could actually get one for a very knock-down price by comparison to a standard 5513. If only we had a time-machine, eh? :-P (PS I actually saw Giles again last week - I bought an unworn Sept 2020 Harrods Black Bay from him. In spite of the slightly unflattering things I wrote about this watch in the comments under your Tudor video recently, I decided it's a good one to have in a collection. You were right - they are very nice watches!)

[@gscutaru]

Cool video, enjoyed it very much. Thank you!

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidnimmo5115]

Really enjoyed this episode keep up the good work 👍

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mariofun14]

Hi Damian, Great video! Very interesting stuff. I was just wondering who has access to this tool watches in the army. As far as I understood, a given army will order a limited series of let’s say 115 watches with specific features (e.g. inscriptions…). How does a member of the army gets access to such a watch? Are you offered the watch as a reward? Do you need to pay for it? Subs were also offered to the divers of the french company COMEX but as far as I know they just had interesting prices on these watches but they definitely had to pay for them. Do you know how it works in the army? Thx

[@martinboulden3540]

Great video and great content . . . . . Fabulous.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Many many thanks

[@richardcarter1000]

Excellent vid. Mrs C wears my old CWC automatic with a nato strap all the time, instead of her Franck Muller or Rolex. It's a bit battered but cool and she call tell the time without her glasses on. The amount if ex military guys who recognise/pick up on it is interesting.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

I totally get that - the more my eyesight has deteriorated the more I appreciate a clean dial.

[@FrostedSeagull]

Great video Damian. I love the SAS Rolex ! If a limited Rolex created on our Australian SAS, the inscription would say "Who Cares who Wins". 👍 If anyone where this Aussie SAS motto comes from, watch the Australian film The Odd Angry Shot.

[@yussss4639]

For Australian SAS it should be written- "Who cares, kill civilians"

[@greggeorgiou52]

Very interesting content enjoyed watching

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Glad you enjoyed

[@AnthonyRagni]

Where can I search for these rare watches? Any specific sites?

[@Michael-4]

Harry wore an Explorer 2 when flying Apache. Just imagine that one turning up and verifiable.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Absolutely

[@petercolichidas7484]

I have a double reference 5513/5517. It was a SBS one. Mine has all the service dates in the inside of the caseback, so I know it's not faked. I like the Explorer II (the first one). Where did you find that one? I usually buy my watches through Chrono24. My favourite watch is a 1940's "Tutima" that was worn by the German Ace Emile Claude who was on the mission that shot down General Gott, the predecessor to General Montgomery. I have his signed book, the watch and all his medals. No doubt that action had an impact on the outcome of the North African campaign.

[@octanegenes5989]

Fascinating! How cool is that Polipetto!! 🤯🐙 🤤

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Very!

[@kenvance259]

You have great taste in cars and watches. Interesting how many car people are also mechanical watch fans.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

It's true

[@Greggieboy76]

Amazing that you have an Apache - congrats!

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Thanks!

[@adamhart6730]

Great video, how do you even get to come across these superb watches!?!

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

They seem to find me

[@michaelcox8392]

That was a great review of Military Watches, and was stunned by your collection. I would like to send you images of a watch I was recently shown, and would appreciate your comments.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Sure

[@JS97278]

The Milsub was never worn in any 007 film.

[@JS97278]

@@TheBrianBurrows indeed !

[@sean6896]

Great video, thanks. Do you have any Bremont’s in your collection?

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Yes, 2

[@sean6896]

TheWatchGuys Looking forward to the Bremont reviews

[@lawrencecurtis812]

Very, very good! You should write a book.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Steady on 😃

[@captnagrom8178]

Thanks guys, very interesting ... A whole sub section of watches to learn and lust over :)

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nikhilmathur6042]

Damien you need to join these special forces units because then you can get the watches for much cheaper 😂. Excellent video as usual. I wanted to buy a Benrus type 1A. It was around $1500. However I am not spending any money until I purchase my Rolex.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Yes that's a cool watch

[@davidhumphreys7950]

Can you please try to review the red and white street fighter Seiko watch.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Yes I'm looking into that right now

[@davidhumphreys7950]

@@TheWatchGuysTV Thanks, it is the Ryu one.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Yes, I know. Have you checked out Jennie Elle’s review of it yet? Worth a watch

[@richardbuckley7425]

Sub SRR were made in 2010/11 Are you aware of a 31mm SRR explorer- I am told 9 were made in 2007 for the women in the SRR. I am trying to find out if it is true but cannot find any info.

[@rickruthiegriffin6564]

The James Bond Dr. No watch was a 6538 not a 5517 milsub.

[@darkdodo708]

A Milsub 5517 went for U$500+k at a recent Phillips auction at NY.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Blimey!

[@stever7097]

James Bond wore a 6538 big crown in Dr No, not a Milsub.

[@jasan2121]

You need to separate the Rolex MilSub from the others. The MilSub was a watch that was part of the kit of the soldiers and saw active service. While those other watches are just "special editions" bought by the regiments to sell to their soldiers. At least those who have the money to buy. And there are only 100 pieces of the SAS polar dial Explorer II. One high ranking and decorated ex SAS member sold his because he needed the money. I think we now know who bought it.

[@mikekilby9785]

Another great video! When I was a Royal Navy Clearance diver we used to be issued with Rolex Submariners when we joined our dive team. When the watches where returned they where sent back to central stores & a steam roller was put over them (allegedly), as the Navy could not sell them as surplus. I did not appreciate what I had on my wrist.🤦

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

What a shame - that makes me really sad

[@Jpjc474]

Interesting Mike thanks for sharing with us. I think the clearance divers are issued with CWC SBS watches now I have one and it’s an awesome watch.

[@mikekilby9785]

James C yes that’s the watches they where issuing when I left the RN 1990. I know of quiet a few watches that never went back to stores. Sadly I always handed my back in before I moved to my next diving team.

[@JS97278]

@@Jpjc474 yes the issued RN divers are now the SBS and also G shocks bought from northern diver.

[@JS97278]

@@mikekilby9785 I collect RNCD items, got a fair Collection of stuff now from the 70s onwards the RN diving manual from 1972 dive log books etc would love to have a chat with you have you kept any of your bits ?

[@elbastardo227]

James Bond did not wear a MilSub in Dr No.

[@TheBiggerrich]

With your taste in Watches and Cars being exemplary new idea for you, The Real Ale Guys or The Wine Guys 😉

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

I like it!

[@alessandrosantorelli5885]

As a half-half, Italian and American, (not ItalianAmerican, chickenparmesan is crap, I don’t like being associated with those people😅) It’s pronounced “somuotsatory” . Otherwise great review.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Yes I expected someone to pick me up on that one :)

[@BaronFlyingClub]

No special forces guy would wear a seriously expensive watch.

[@UAL320]

9:35 In the spirit of coming up with ridiculous names for these Rolexes, should we call this one “Prince Harry”??

[@maverick4177]

The only person who should own one of these watches, is the original recipient Not some weak and timid soul who has never crossed the start line Prince, now King Charles, has awarded a fair few of these special watches to people who EARNED them

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

You are quite correct, Maverick. However, sometimes, these watches are bought by servicepeople who either want to sell them on to supplement their income, or they fall on hard times as a result of the UK government's complete lack of support for our heroes.

[@pmancian4810]

One of my favourite Rolex dealers in France created a special edition of the Sub for the close bodyguards of French Presidents. This edition has the crest of the GSPR (Roughly translated: "Security Group for the President of the Republic") on the same spot as for the Polipetto. Check out the video he made on his channel. It's unfortunately in french but I'll happily translate for you if you want more info: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnfIon6IhMuklbc

[@martin.B777]

Great! Are taxpayers paying for these cool and limited military watches?🤑

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

In the 50s, 60s and 70s yet, not really now

[@martin.B777]

@@TheWatchGuysTV Thanks for the clarification, Damian!