JonH
follower
My Foot is on the Rock and My Name is On the Roll
Posts: 89
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Post by JonH on Nov 8, 2007 17:48:34 GMT -5
One query, an advertisement from some time ago advertised the Classic Sub as the official watch issued to divers in the royal navy. However, my father in law who served 25 years a good part of that as a Royal Naval Diver was never issued or aware of Rolex's being issued by the navy. He served during the 60's 70's and part of the eighties. any ideas
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Post by bullandvodka on Nov 8, 2007 18:54:33 GMT -5
I doubt there were a standard issue item as there don't seem to be too many of them around now (even if you have the money). I'd venture that only some Navy folks were issued them (divers, officers, and special forces groups). There is also some speculation that some were available if the soldiers want to pay for them out of pocket at the commissary (or British equivalent).
Those watches are extremely collectible and are probably some of the most rare and expensive vintage Rolex models. Part of their allure is because of the "James Bond" halo effect - Ian Flemming's Bond originally wore a Navy issue Rolex Sub. You also have both the Rolex and the military collectors out there competing for them. Finally, soldiers tend to beat on their gear so examples that are in good condition and original are seldom seen.
Also, if memory serves, other armed forces issued them as well. I believe the French issued them as well and possibly others.
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Post by timefinder on Nov 8, 2007 20:23:19 GMT -5
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Post by MikeS on Nov 14, 2007 0:19:44 GMT -5
wow i wish the us navy did this for me while i was on a submarine!
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Post by timefinder on Nov 14, 2007 11:28:49 GMT -5
Mike: I wish the Army would have given us the Explorers or GMTs! ;D
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Post by Aaron on Nov 14, 2007 14:50:58 GMT -5
Being ex Army I can assure you it is not what you know it is who you know.  The people who seemed to get stuff were people from Q and HQ.They new the system and how to work it. Similar to the Pam am thing with the GMT for pilots and all the executives fed from the trough first. ;D Cheers BTW, A lot of "special forces"opt for their own reliable gear as it is trusty and also doesn't scream "hello you must be Australian SAS as you are wearing ......." when your trying to blend in. |
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Post by timefinder on Nov 14, 2007 15:26:27 GMT -5
Aaron: In the US Army, they do not issue watches.  Lots of other great toys, so to speak, but no watches. But, being friends with Supply (QM) or the cooks was always an added bonus. Did not hurt to always bring the people that kept records a bottle once in a while either. ;D |
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Lots of other great toys, so to speak, but no watches. But, being friends with Supply (QM) or the cooks was always an added bonus. Did not hurt to always bring the people that kept records a bottle once in a while either. ;D