The Rolex 12 is the collective name of President Ferdinand E. Marcos’ 12 closest and most powerful advisors during the period of martial law in the Philippines from 1972 to 1981. In the latter years of his second elected term, Marcos conspired with various leaders of the military and Philippine police. The aim was for Marcos to gain full authoritarian control of the country during the declaration of martial law in 1972. Marcos empowered the military leadership during martial law and took over the jobs of elected officials and court judges.
The name Rolex 12 comes from a widely circulated story and some sources that each of the associates received a Rolex watch from Marcos himself, although this remains unconfirmed. Some believe that these gifts were actually Omega replica swiss watches, but despite this confusion, the Rolex 12 name stuck and is still used to refer to these 12 Marcos associates, some of whom fled with Marcos when he and his family left the Philippines in 1986, while others like Enrile and Ramos played a role in the coup against Marcos.
We believe the watch was a gift from his beloved Imelda. on his 58th birthday on September 11, 1975. The watch was later given to one of the 12 Rolex men who fled to the United States and was sold to a pawn store or jewelry buyer.
In 2009, an American citizen came to Tourneau in New York City with the watch, valued at $11,000. He kept the watch and sent it to Patek Philippe for a movement overhaul in 2013. He contacted me, knowing that I was a watch blogger and enjoyed owning this precious watch, and we built up discussions about selling the watch over a 7-year period from 2013 to 2018. Due to tax and logistical considerations, we did find an opportunity for me to purchase the watch directly from his wife for a certain amount at a law firm in the middle of the busy city of Makati. I was very surprised.
This Patek Philippe is made entirely of 18 carat white gold with a smooth and fine mesh strap. A stunning rising sun anthracite dial. Length is an uncut 7.75 inches. Hand-wound movement. ref 3528-3. with Patek archival documentation. This watch was produced by Patek Philippe in 1971.
A watch that was made 51 years ago, but is not at all outdated in shape or size for a formal replica designer watches. Of course, its value is not just the watch itself, but the commemorative value of the most powerful man in the Philippines in the 80s. And, most importantly, it is a Patek Philippe.
We would like to sell it at a public auction and hope to donate no less than a certain large portion of 50% to a Philippine charity after all administration fees and auction commissions are deducted. I believe this is one of the former president’s contributions to the Filipino people.