The other day I came across a video online called something like Exposing the Secret History of Rolex and the Military. I have to admit, I wasn’t impressed with the video. It was interesting and informative, I suppose, to people who don’t already know the information within. The problem for me was just that nothing was secret.
Do people really not understand how Rolex has been at the forefront when it comes to timepieces for military personnel? Is the role of a Rolex watch in the famous WWII Great Escape somehow secret? Is the fact that Rolex replaced watches stolen from prisoners of war something hidden? I understand the title had more to do with getting views than really describing the video but, really, when you deal with Rolex, why bother with click bait? People are already interested.
Rolex does indeed have a long history with the military and I thought it would make sense to talk about the relationship between Rolex and US Navy SEALs. Rolex watches have a long history with the Navy SEALs, especially during the Vietnam era. Back then, the SEALs were issued Rolex Submariners or Tudor 7928s.
In addition, Rolexes were available tax free at Navy PX stores. They were a few hundred dollars back then, which is a couple thousand these days. Quartz watches were introduced by Seiko in 1969, igniting the Quartz Crisis, when the entire industry of mechanical watches was threatened. It would be some time, however, before they were readily available and even though quartz movement is more accurate than mechanical movement, mechanical watches performed better in various environmental conditions.
It’s important to know that the United States Navy doesn’t have an official watch for the Navy SEALs. Rolexes aren’t issued now. So, it’s up to the individual. Many SEALs continue to wear tool watches as a way to honor those who came before them and many still appreciate how a mechanical watch with a good depth rating is sometimes the only right tool for the job. And that’s what matters to those in the service, right? The right tool for the job.
If you’re looking for a pre-owned Rolex in San Diego, get in touch. If I don’t have what you’re looking for, I can probably find it for you. Give me a call or drop by our La Jolla showroom. I think you’ll be very glad you did.
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