Rolex has earned a reputation for creating the most robust and reliable mechanical wristwatches that one can own. Over the decades, many of the world’s nations have commissioned through Rolex watches for their high-ranking military officials to use for mission critical purposes.
The present watch, reference 1680 Submariner, is a very compelling and unusual example to behold. Our research suggests that this watch was made for the Libyan Army. The caseback is inscribed “Alhanout Alaskari” in Arabic script, which roughly translates to "Military Forces, Officer's Barraks". The inside case back is further engraved with the serial number, along with the reference number, confirming the present watch was made on special order for Rolex. According to our research, only one other example made for the Libyan army, has surfaced on the market, which was manufactured in 1977. The present watch is thus incredibly rare, even for its sheer historical value. This fresh-to-the-auction market watch has survived over 35 years in excellent overall condition, making it hard to believe this military issued watch was ever exposed to the battlefield. The matte black dial with its crisp ‘white’ Submariner logo is furthermore preserved in excellent condition, and the numerals have aged to a light orange attractive tone. Its extraordinary provenance and rarity, combined with its superb condition, makes this military issued Rolex Submariner an exciting find for the connoisseur.