The present watch is a truly New Old Stock, flawless examples of Sea-Dweller “Polipetto”, one of the scarcest and most fascinating special editions Rolex ever made. Not only both case and dial are preserved in absolutely flawless condition, but the case even still retains the factory stickers to the band with unmolested QR code. While the purpose of this code is internal to Rolex’s production and thus not clearly known, what is known is that it is very delicate: even some moderate rubbing is enough to have it fade entirely or partially. In this instance, the code is flawlessly preserved as well, further evidence of an absolutely untouched timepiece.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its diving corps, the Italian State Police asked Rolex to produce this rare special edition of 78 pieces. The emblem of the Italian Police Divers Corps - the octopus - is immediately apparent on the dial and is the origin of the "Polipetto" nickname for the model (Italian for "little octopus"). The caseback engraving is executed using high-voltage electro-gravure and it reads the commemoration "POLIZIA DI STATO SOMMOZZATORI 1958-2008”. Some examples additionally bear to the back the brevet number of the diver they had been assigned to, and 3 pieces reserved for the highest hierarchies of the Italian Police bear a bespoke engraving under the commemoration.

Not only “NOS”, the present watch comes with its original box, guarantee, numbered tag and a leather folder containing a double-ended tool for adjusting the bracelet. Most notably, the guarantee card is stamped “Montres and Bijoux di Giorgini” La Spezia and dated December 2008, as all other known examples of the model.

The Sea-Dweller "Polipetto" can indisputably be considered one of the rarest and most collectible Rolex "tool" watches of modern times. Highlighting its importance in the pantheon of highly sought-after Rolex watches, the Octopus is featured on the cover of Mondani and Ravagnani's seminal work "Rolex Submariner Story”. It is important to point out that the dial customization was made by Rolex themselves in Switzerland; this is not always the case for other dial customizations which were often done with Rolex’s approval but not by Rolex.

A 78 pieces series is scarce for any major brand, but in the case of Rolex, who makes more than one million watches a year, it is a truly minuscule production (it is equal to about 0.008% of their annual production). The fact itself that they accepted to create it is nothing short of incredible.
Furthermore, while the (few) customizations Rolex made in recent years usually only have a customized back, the Polipetto is one of the few which have also a special dial, and fully executed by Rolex in Switzerland.

Given it’s rarity, importance and outstandingly quirky and attractive looks, the is undoubtedly destined to become one of the greatest classics of the brand’s production, its availability destined to approach non-existence.