Geneva, May 12, 2024

LOT 568

ROLEX, SWITZERLAND, REF. 216570, EXPLORER II SAS EDITION, NEW OLD STOCK, ORIGINAL BOX AND WARRANTY, STAINLESS STEEL

CHF 20,000 - 40,000

HKD 174,000 - 348,000 / USD 22,200 - 44,300 / EUR 20,400 - 40,800

Sold: CHF 27,500

A fine and very rare, stainless steel, self winding wristwatch with 24-hour indication and date made for the SAS


Grading System
Grade:
Case: 1

As new

Movement: 1*

As new

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 1-01

As new

HANDS Original

Brand Rolex, switzerland

Model Explorer II SAS Edition

Reference 216570

Year Sold in December 2012

Case No. G740317

Bracelet stainless steel Rolex bracelet with deployant clasp, approx. overall length 185 mm.

Diameter 42

Caliber 3187, 31 jewels

Signature dial, case and movement

Accessories original fitted box, warranty card, instruction booklet, hang tag, red chronometer seal

Notes

Fully authorized by Rolex and entirely of Rolex manufacture, this watch is the only example of this highly exclusive edition so far to be seen publically, indeed until the present watch surfaced this year, this edition for the SAS was only rumoured to exist. It is not known exactly how many examples were made but it was only available to members of the elite regiment and Rolex confirm that the batch of watches was delivered to a British military base. The case back is dedicated with the regiments emblem and name and the side of the case engraved with the SAS motto "Who Dares Wins". In recent years Rolex have only sanctioned the issue of one other special edition - the Sea-Dweller "Sommozzatori" for the Italian State Police diving unit of which 78 pieces were made. The SAS and Sommozzatori editions are therefore the rarest modern steel Rolexes produced and highly prized.

Provenance

Property of an English collector