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. 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

Rolex Commando

...Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day...

Rolex Commando

[Reference 6429: 34.5mm Diameter]

Lorenzo's Rolex Commando is pictured below, and it is an unusual and very rare watch. Not much is known about the origin of the Rolex Commando model. Apparently they were sold by Abercrombie & Fitch, and there has been other speculation that it was only sold in the U.S. and Canadian market. They are manual wind watches and it appears they were made and sold between 1967 and 1972. A Rolex commando recently sold in 2010 at Christie's Auction house for $25,000.