946
Rolex
Ref. 116610LN
Submariner “GIGN”
A “like-new”, very rare and significant limited edition stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box, one of a limited edition of 120 pieces made for the 40th anniversary of the French special forces Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale
Full-Cataloguing
- Property of the original owner, a decorated GIGN member
- 120 pieces made for the 40th anniversary of the GIGN and not sold publicly
- Accompanied by unit badge and medals of the GIGN
The Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale “GIGN” was formed in 1973 as the elite tactical unit of the French National Gendarmerie, responsible for counterterrorism, hostage situations, surveillance of potential national threats, and much more.
In 2013, in awe of the 40th anniversary of the GIGN, the Rolex Submariner 116610LN “GIGN” was released in a limited number of 120 pieces only available for its members. The watch received strong demand, it was released in two series, with the first batch manufactured in 2013/14, followed by the second series the next year.
The present watch is offered by the original owner (a decorated member of the GIGN) and accompanied by an attestation. He was awarded the Médaille militaire (or “Military Medal”), which is third highest French decoration, and the highest military honour for Non-Commissioned Officers and combatants, appreciating their devotion and act of courage during their services. The watch features a caseback engraved with the GIGN “two-star second generation” logo that was adopted in 2007, a representation of the skills and values possessed by the elite group. Above the logo is the “40 ans du GIGN” engraving, signifying 40 years of establishment and legacy. Underneath the logo is the dogtag/identification number of the member, instead of any alterations on the dial to keep the wearer in discreet.
For such a commemorative piece, the Submariner “GIGN” is kept in “like-new” condition, with the bevels and lugs staying crisp and sharp.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.