ROLEX

Lot 5
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Estimation :
30000 - 60000 EUR
ROLEX
ROLEX Submariner " 40 years of the GIGN ", Ref. 116610LN No. 68R613P9 Diving wristwatch specially edited to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the GIGN. Round case, graduated rotating bezel, engraved on the back "40 Years of the GIGN Gendarmerie Nationale". Black dial with circled indexes, luminescent hands, central second hand, railway timer, date window, cyclops sapphire crystal. Automatic movement certified chronometer. Oyster steel bracelet with signed folding clasp. Diameter: 40 mm Provenance: directly from the first owner, former member of the GIGN. Accessories: case, over-box, a book and an original warranty card dated 20.03.2015, marked "Rolex France" as well as that of "Caserne Pasquier". HISTORY OF THE GIGN Emblematic unit of the Gendarmerie, the GIGN (Groupe d'Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale) is specialized in the management of crisis situations and intervention on highly risky missions in the fields of terrorism, grand-banditry or hostage rescue. Founded in 1973, this elite unit of international renown has since inspired the creation of several specialized armed forces, such as the RAID which was founded in 1985. With the motto "S'engager pour la vie", this group gathers the best elements of the Gendarmerie Nationale, that is to say about 1,000 men among whom about a hundred are attached to the Force d'Intervention (FI), the assault unit of the GIGN. THE ROLEX "40 YEARS GIGN" In 2013, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the GIGN, Rolex produced a series of 120 "anniversary" watches. Exclusively sold to members of this elite unit, this special series was delivered in two stages: a first series of 60 delivered in 2013/2014 followed by a second in 2014/2015. In order to respect the principle of anonymity, a protection measure enjoyed by members of the GIGN given the risks to which they are exposed, the dial of this Submariner does not include any distinguishing marks and at first glance can be confused with a "standard" ref. 116610LN. It is on the back of the case that the GIGN emblem is visible, an engraving that gives this watch its "Collection" value. Also called "Rondache", in reference to its spherical shape, this logo includes all the identifying codes of the GIGN: the parachute, the snap hook, and the aiming reticule. The parachute reminds us that the GIGN belongs to the airborne troops. The aiming reticule, or "sight", highlights the GIGN's preferred practice: precision shooting; but it also has a symbolic function and echoes a value strongly anchored in the GIGN's DNA: respect for human life. The carabiner alludes to climbing and helicordage activities, another specialty of this armed corps. These three motifs are arranged in a circle, a shape that materializes the cohesion and collective strength of the members of the group. In 2007, the organization of the GIGN was completely overhauled to adapt to the evolution of the terrorist threat, and it is now referred to as the "Second Generation" of the GIGN. This evolution is represented by the two stars, visible on either side of the emblem. OUR EXAMPLE "GIGN - MR096 The emblem is framed by the words "40 years of the GIGN" and "MR 096", the latter is the code name of the original owner, with whom the watch was directly consigned. Presented for the very first time on the market, this watch was delivered to a GIGN officer. A particularly interesting detail on the warranty card is the mention of the name of the Caserne Pasquier, located in Versailles, which houses the GIGN. A perfect symbol of belonging to a world-renowned elite unit, it is extremely rare to see this type of watch appear on the market by its original owner, due in part to the singular attachment of its members to their group. The Submariner "40 years of the GIGN" is particularly exceptional, as it is the very last series of military watches produced by Rolex. Since this edition, Rolex has stopped all collaboration with armed units. Our example is a rare opportunity for a Rolex collector to acquire an iconic timepiece, which combines the criteria of quality, rarity and provenance. Condition report: Sold as is, traces of wear from use, a rare example with original case and warranty, provenance from a former member of the SWAT team, movement works but expect a wear revision, no warranty. (Condition report provided as an indication according to our GTC).
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