Monday, August 08, 2022

1972 Rolex 'Commando' Abercrombie & Fitch Ad


...A Rare & Mysterious Rolex Model...


1969 Rolex

'Commando'

Throughout its history Rolex has experimented like crazy with different models that were not long-lived, like the mysterious Rolex Space-Dweller. I published this story a few weeks ago, but since then I learned some really interesting things about this mysterious Rolex model I thought I would share with you. The Rolex Commando was 33MM and featured a manual movement and a Rolex Reference of 6429.


Rolex Oyster Commando Appears Courtesy of Rolex Passion Report




Abercrombie & Fitch

I recently saw a thread on VintageRolex Forums asking if the Rolex Commando was an actual model, and as we see here Abercrombie & Fitch offered it in 1972. 



I heard from @Watches2.8 who said:

Hi Jake,

I think the correct date is actually 1969 as the only serial I came across for all the correct Rolex COMMANDO models is around the 2075xxx range.

As far as I know the Abercrombie & Fitch sale was to get rid of the inventory that did not sell on U.S. Military bases in 1969/70. 

I actually own two of these Rolex models and I only know of 2 others in the world of the same quality. Ironically it went from a budget-priced $108 to being worth around $50K today! Probably rarer than a Paul Newman Daytona!

Best,

Teddy