This small mid size Rolex was offered to me today, I was interested because it had the applied 3,6,9 "Explorer" style dial and the rare 50m=165ft markings on the dial. (Click here to see the watch.)
However my ears perked up when I was told that the watch had a colourful military history, I was informed that a member of the famed 22 SAS whilst on active service in Malaya bought it. But long experience has taught me to accept stories like this with a bushel of salt. As the bracelet on the watch was a loose light one in quite poor condition, I assumed the worst when I asked, "is there any paperwork with it?" Imagine my surprise when I was shown the ( receipt) and the ( warranty), both of them bearing the watch number and from Singapore in 1955. This was significant, because both the date and the time were correct for the Malaya conflict. But, as naturally suspicious as I am, I asked for further proof. A plastic bag was then offered to me and in it were 3 items, a 22 SAS shoulder badge, a cap badge from the same regiment and smaller version in silver coloured in blue & white enamel(Click here to see the badges.). I looked them over and the thought came to mind "these are not easy to get but not impossible". So I asked if there was anything else and reluctantly he pulled out a small cloth covered item and handed it to me. When I turned it over I read "22 Special Air Services Regiment Permanent Pass"; I opened it & the holder's details were all listed(Click here to see the pass.). Whilst I was looking at this item, I was handed a black & white photograph, showing 12 European soldiers & 5 Asian ones in a jungle clearing, almost all holding guns. He pointed to one guy sitting bare chested at the end of one row and said "This is him wearing the watch"(Click here to see the photo.).
Do you think I bought it?
Well, after the transaction was completed, he was about to walk away but he turned round and said, "You might as well have these" and handed me another small plastic bag. I examined the contents, an ivory cigarette holder and a cheap pressed metal cigarette lighter with Chinese markings, with a quizzical look. "He kept them with the watch & stuff because he took them from a guy he killed the next day"(Click here to see the stuff.)
I am rarely at a loss for words.
