Heritage Time Works brings you the rebirth of the Ref. 6429 'Commando incarnated in the GI-01 and GI-02 'COMMANDO's. Based around the current Explorer 1 as a base watch, these timepieces come in 2 formats: the GI-01 represents the 'Full Monty' with COMMANDO on the dial and supplied with both the factory Oyster band as well as 5 NATOs, the GI-02 is a stripped-down military version with no 'COMMANDO' on the dial and supplied with NATO bands only.
Our concept here was to create a true heritage timepiece that merged the best elements of its modern incarnation in the Ref. 214270, as a highly wearable, sleek and accurate watch, with the unique military provenance of its 'little big brother', the legendary Rolex Ref. 6429 'Commando'. We have been as faithful as possible with the modified features in the hope that we could re-create a bit of horological magic of times past, for those discerning watch lovers of today.
When we create a dial we start from the ‘ground up’. Using a genuine base plate we meticulously lap the face removing surface dips or scratches before enamelling the face in carefully mixed dark grey matte coating reminiscent of the matte dials of Rolex sports watches of the 1970’s.
Our inks are sourced from Switzerland from the same brand used by the top 6 Swiss watch houses. Each consignment is mixed especially for HTW. It is then remixed with our proprietary semi-glossy surface additive and printed using a period pad machine. This is the only way to achieve the same surface finish as the vintage dials of the past. The dial is completed by the hand-application of modern Superluminova that has been tinted to offer a further classic accent.
The fusion of these features speaks so much about the heritage of this exquisite watch.
Found only on the original Ref. 6429 'COMMANDO' and not on any other Rolex model watch, are the somewhat curious stick hour and minute hands. There has been much speculation about why this rather unpopular watch at the time was fashioned with unique hands. As an explorer type watch why was it not fitted with ‘Mercedes’ hands like those found on the 6610’s or 1016’s of the day?
The GI-01 has been fitted with hour and minute hands taken from the current Milgaus Ref. 114600 and filled with tinted Superluminova that perfectly matches the lumed plots on the dial. The second hand has been procured straight from the current Datejust and this trio of hands is entirely in keeping with the simple look and rugged style of its brother the 6429 'COMMANDO'.
Staying true to the original Ref. 6429, the GI-01 maintains a smooth stainless steel bezel maintained from the Explorer 1 base watch, but we have slightly reprofiled the top angle to make it sit flatter to the case top. In this fashion, it makes a more complimentary partnership with the modern flat Rolex crystal.
By remaining faithful to the slender simplicity of the Ref. 6429, we hope to have achieved as close as possible in modern terms, what this awesome watch would look like if it were reintroduced by Rolex today.
Acknowledging the current trend for modern sports watch cases to be chunkier and more ‘substantial’, we have used the new 39mm Explorer Ref. 214270 as our base watch for this heritage piece. This creates a timepiece that is slightly larger than the original Commando Ref. 6429 which had a 34mm case and 19mm lug width yet is 'discreet’ and comforatble to wear, highly readable yet not too big so as to catch on other equipment.
Modern sports Rolex cases have evolved over the years, with a trend towards a ‘bigger and bolder’ frame and while there is little practical reason for this we believe that delicately redefining the case gives a much more elegant and comfortable wearing timepiece. In addition each case is engraved on the caseback with 'COMMANDO' along with its model number and a unique issue number out of 33, in this edition.
It may be worth noting that for an additional works fee, the spring bar holes in the lugs can be drilled through to add a further vintage accent to this heritage timepiece.
Nothing looks so rugged or is as comfortable to wear than a genuine NATO G-10. Although the original Ref. 6429 ‘COMMANDO’ would have been supplied on a 19mm riveted-type Oyster bracelet, you can be sure the watch was quickly mounted on a canvas or NATO band pretty quickly!
We offer our GI-01 on the factory Rolex Oyster bracelet but supply 5 different patterned official UKMOD (UK Ministry of Defence) bands along with it - grey, black, olive green, RN Marines ‘007’ grey/black, DPM camo and urban camo. These bands are manufactured in the UK by Phoenix™ and are constructed with true welded seams and supplied to our Armed Forces for deployment on their military watches around the world. The GI-02 (pictured left) is supplied with the 5 NATO bands only (NO OYSTER BAND SUPPLIED).
Please see the GALLERY page for more detailed pictures.
Heritage Time Works brings you the rebirth of the Ref. 6429 'Commando incarnated in the GI-01 and GI-02 'COMMANDO's. Based around the current Explorer 1 as a base watch, these timepieces come in 2 formats: the GI-01 represents the 'Full Monty' with COMMANDO on the dial and supplied with both the factory Oyster band as well as 5 NATOs, the GI-02 is a stripped-down military version with no 'COMMANDO' on the dial and supplied with NATO bands only.
When we create a dial we start from the ‘ground up’. Using a genuine base plate we meticulously lap the face removing surface dips or scratches before enamelling the face in carefully mixed dark grey matte coating reminiscent of the matte dials of Rolex sports watches of the 1970’s.
Found only on the original Ref. 6429 'COMMANDO' and not on any other Rolex model watch, are the somewhat curious stick hour and minute hands. There has been much speculation about why this rather unpopular watch at the time was fashioned with unique hands. As an explorer type watch why was it not fitted with ‘Mercedes’ hands like those found on the 6610’s or 1016’s of the day?
Staying true to the original Ref. 6429, the GI-01 maintains a smooth stainless steel bezel maintained from the Explorer 1 base watch, but we have slightly reprofiled the top angle to make it sit flatter to the case top. In this fashion, it makes a more complimentary partnership with the modern flat Rolex crystal.
Acknowledging the current trend for modern sports watch cases to be chunkier and more ‘substantial’, we have used the new 39mm Explorer Ref. 214270 as our base watch for this heritage piece. This creates a timepiece that is slightly larger than the original Commando Ref. 6429 which had a 34mm case and 19mm lug width yet is 'discreet’ and comforatble to wear, highly readable yet not too big so as to catch on other equipment.
Nothing looks so rugged or is as comfortable to wear than a genuine NATO G-10. Although the original Ref. 6429 ‘COMMANDO’ would have been supplied on a 19mm riveted-type Oyster bracelet, you can be sure the watch was quickly mounted on a canvas or NATO band pretty quickly!