The history of the United Kingdom Special Forces can be traced back to the mid-1940s, when the evolving conflicts of WWII created the need for specialized operations and qualified servicemen with the specific skills to carry out those operations. Since that time, the two principal regiments of the UK Special Forces (the unconventional warfare/recognizance regiment Special Air Service and the amphibious operations regiment Special Boat Service) have evolved to meet the new military and security challenges of the modern world.

Rolex’s Special Forces Issue (SFI) line was born after company representatives met with UK Special Forces veterans who wanted to produce a special watch that would both commemorate and honor their service. To make this dream a reality, Rolex formed a delegation of 14 former UK SF members to determine essential timepiece elements and guide overall product design. Both Rolex and the veterans were committed to retaining the historical essence of the watch models of the 1970s.

One of the designs that came out of these design sessions is the SFI Rolex Submariner Desert Issue. This stylish timepiece features a 40mm stainless steal case with bead blast finish, tactical ‘Desert Sand’ coating, military fixed bars, custom sword hands, and a continuously graduated 60 minute bezel with luminous markings. As durable as it is attractive, this watch can withstand anything that the modern UK SF can dish out.