The Rolex Cosmograph “Fuerza Aerea del Perú”

This Rolex Cosmograph has a fascinating history, with this particular example of military watch being in the most perfect state of preservation that we have encountered to date, including those that have been publicly offered for sale in auction (click here to see another example for sale now). The Peruvian Air Force, or Fuerza Aerea del Perú, had its roots in a flying corps that first took to the air in 1911. The air force proper was formally established in July 1950. As could be expected, and in common with many military establishments worldwide, the Fuerza ordered various instruments from commercial manufacturers, wristwatches included. At first Omega watch company were contracted, but then after about 1962, it was Rolex who supplied wrist chronographs and other timepieces; other models known to have been supplied include the GMT-Master and the Oysterdate.

The serial number of this Cosmograph (3956xxx) places its date of manufacture around 1973, over ten years since the contract began. By this time, the style of certain features had become well established. For example, the whole serial number of the watch case is duplicated inside the case-back, where earlier models had only the final three digits. Certain experienced collectors have asserted that no more than about 700 Rolex watches were supplied to the Peruvian Air-Force, making the Fuerza Cosmographs of the rarest Rolex chronographs in existence.

The back of the watch bears the inscription “Fuerza Aerea del Perú” in a Roman sans-serif face, and filled with black enamel. In many cases, this black filling has disappeared over time, leaving only the engraved portion visible, or even polished and rubbed away. In this case, however, the black infill has remained perfectly intact. This is notable, because when taken in consideration with other features of the watch, we can infer that the watch was probably never worn. We sent this watch to Rolex Watch Company for service—we were very concerned that this engraving should remain intact; we made a written request that Rolex not polish nor even ultra-sonically clean the case-back at all, for fear of damaging or losing this historically important feature.

An additional engraving is present on the outside of the case-back, a unique military identifier, or ‘issue number’, and would correspond to the records kept by the Air-Force.

The watch has its original domed glass

The watch glass itself is also original. Later replacements by the manufacturer are of a type that has a squared edge, with a definite transition between the upper surface and the vertical edges that ascend from the bezel. The original, seen here, has a very pleasing gently-domed shape. This is only seen on very old Rolex watch glasses. Again, Rolex were asked not to replace this rare item during service. It will be noted that the dial does not bear the legend “Daytona”. This is in keeping with the general trend found among the other known Fuerza Aerea del Perú Cosmographs. Please also note two instances of the Greek lower case character σ (sigma), placed either side of the “T Swiss T”, below the chronograph hour-recorder. This symbol was used by watch companies to indicate that the indices or main hour markers on the dial are made of precious metal, in this case white gold, as opposed to steel or nickel. This is sometimes referred to as goute à prior, and implies a higher grade of dial.

The movement is in pristine condition

Greek "Sigma" indicates a higher quality dial

The black enamel filling in the engraving is still fully extant

While the watch itself is not in perfect condition, the slight scuff marks do not suggest use, but imply general handling over the years. The wear marks that are so often present where the tabbed bracelet-ends rub against the underside of the watch are not present on this piece. Furthermore, the crisp sharpness of the watch case itself is a giveaway of factory-finish. Our opinion is that this watch has never been worn.
The movement, too, is in splendid condition, with the metal surfaces completely free of mishandling or signs of careless repair, and the screw heads are all perfect. In fact, there are certain bronze components that have attained a beautiful purple patina, something that only happens when the metal is left completely unaffected for many years.
All in all, an exceptionally rare watch, which we at WatchClub were pleased to have pass through our hands. Given its condition, it will no doubt reward its owner with much satisfaction and an increase in value over the years.