Given their esteemed name within watchmaking and beyond, there are very few Rolex models that have managed to escape the wider watch collector conscience. However, the Commando is one of those very few models that have achieved that feat. Launched in the very late 1960s and produced for a small handful of years until 1972, the Commando was originally produced for the U.S. Military and sold as Rolex’s cheapest watch for approximately $108 at the time, which was half of the price of a Submariner, at Army bases. Featuring a 34mm stainless steel case, a riveted Oyster bracelet, a flat polished bezel and a black 3-6-9 dial, it takes very close inspiration from the Explorer, whose robust construction translated quite well into a watch that was to be worn by soldiers. However, as is believed, Rolex didn’t sell-out of Commando stock, and so turned to Abercrombie & Fitch, the then high-end outdoors outfitter, to sell their excess Commandos. As is also rumoured, this excess stock was also stamped with the name “COMMANDO” on the dial at 6 o’clock so as to leverage the timepiece’s rugged background and austere design language with the outdoorsmen who would eventually buy the last remaining pieces. Today, the Commando has evolved into one of Rolex’ rarest models that is seldom seen for sale on the open market, and so we are pleased to have this example available on Loupe This.

Watch is offered in very good condition with moderate signs of wear throughout with several small dings and scratches. The bezel has a chip at 10 o'clock. The dial and hands are original, but the dial has had its luminous material removed, leaving just the white substrate underneath. The bracelet has 12 riveted links.

A relatively unknown watch with a unique history, the Commando is one of the last bastions of obscurity within Rolex' iconic catalog given how little collectors know about it, which makes it all the more special for those who know what it is.