for the UK Attack Helicopter Force, limited edition no. 15/48, with automatic movement, cream dial, date aperture, luminous baton numerals, dark blue steel luminous hands and orange twenty-four hour hand, on an original Oyster link Rolex bracelet, the caseback brushed and polished, tonneau form screw-down back, with engraved depiction of a helicopter and Union Jack, in its original Rolex watch box, outer box, International Guarantee Card, spare links and Rolex tag, case diameter approx. 42mm, ref. 216570
| Condition Report: | click here |
| Estimate: | £15,000 - £20,000 |
| Hammer price: | £15,000 |
Note: This watch is accompanied with the following letter from the vendor:
'This special edition Rolex is one of 48 commissioned by the UK Attack Helicopter Force. In 2014 the UK Attack Helicopter Force commander at the time, requested Rolex to create a watch to commemorate Attack Helicopter Operations. They designed an Explorer 2 with a finely engraved back with an image of the Apache helicopter, Union Flag and the name of the individual eligible for the watch. I was luckily eligible to purchase the watch due to my significant experience flying the Apache helicopter.
I first started flying the Apache in 2006, after completing the commissioning course at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and my initial flying training. As I began my Apache training, the first operational sorties were being flown in Afghanistan. I first deployed to Afghanistan in 2007, being the fastest pilot to start their training and deploy on operations. This was the first of my 4 tours of Afghanistan, between 2007 and 2011. I deployed in various roles, from a new rear seat pilot and ending my time operationally as the Regimental Weapons Officer of one of the Apache regiments.
On completion of my frontline duty, I became a Qualified Helicopter Instructor, teaching new Apache pilots how to fly the aircraft. I was in this role until 2015 and the commissioning of the watch, before leaving my Regular military service. Since leaving the Regular military, I have continued to be in the Reserves as well as being a civilian instructor on Apache. I was in the last flight of the Apache MK1 from the training base at Middle Wallop to Wattisham when the Apache MK1 was brought out of service. The Apache MK1 has been replaced by the Apache AH-64E, which I continue to instruct on as a civilian instructor.'
In good overall condition (the watch has hardly been worn).
