With a rich heritage of supplying military wristwatches to various organizations around the world, Rolex has been one of the most prestigious firms to do so across the decades. One of the most elite units that have undergone the Rolex treatment is the Groupe Securite Presidence Republique. An elite French presidential unit founded in 1983 and until 2007, this special unit oversees the security of the president and politicians of the French Republic. The special unit comprises of 50 policemen, 30 military personnel and 30 police officers, each with a unique set of skills and abilities to perform to the highest standards. Trained in personal security, extraction, combat, shooting and driving.

To commemorate the elite unit which was discharged in 2007 after the presidency of the French Republic succeeded by Nicolas Sarkozy, Rolex decided to create a special limited edition timepiece of 30 examples as tokens of appreciation to the existing members of the G.S.P.R. The model used was the robust, coveted and iconic Submariner ref. 16610 featuring a black dial and bezel with a special insignia of the emblem of the elite unit featured at the 9 o’clock position of the dial. Furthermore, each individual timepiece features the emblem and the commemoration dates of the G.S.P.R as well as the individual case number engraved, which is a unique feature for Rolex timepieces.

Extremely rare and highly sought-after by Rolex enthusiasts around the world, it is a once in a blue moon occasion for an example such as the present to surface at auction. Numbered 11, the present example is one of the most complete examples to ever appear in public accompanied by its full set of accessories including its original guarantee card stamped Rolex Vendome, and retailed through Dubail Paris as well as other accessories including a flag, military badges and medals belonging to the original owner of the present timepiece a member of the elite unit, Mr. Phylip Bernard Michel. First offered at auction in 2016, the present timepiece has been preserved in the same exact condition as it first appeared in public.

For collector’s seeking for rare limited edition Rolex timepieces and enthusiast of military watches, this is one of the most desirable examples to ever be offered.