To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its diving corps, the Italian State Police asked Rolex to produce this rare special edition. Seventy eight pieces were made in total, of which twenty eight bear the certification number of the diver to whom it was given. 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 "small octopus"). The caseback engraving is executed using high-voltage electro-gravure and it reads, on the present piece, "POLIZIA DI STATO SOMMOZZATORI 1958-2008 BREV. SMZ N.3029". The present watch is one among a rarified 28 pieces also with the brevet number of the diver on the caseback.
The present watch comes with its original box, guarantee, chronometer tag, a leather folder containing a double-ended tool for adjusting the bracelet, and a credit card sized Buehlman diving table. Most notably, the guarantee card is signed La Spezia, in line with other known examples, and confirms delivery of the watch to Marco Marotta. 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". To find a Polipetto, in absolutely mint condition and accompanied of such complete accessories is without a doubt an outstandingly rare opportunity for the collector of rare timepieces. The present watch furthermore has an impressive provenance as it was purchased by the current consignor directly from the famous Guido Mondani, a copy of which the purchase agreement is accompanying the present lot.