Have you ever wondered what kind of watch a Navy SEAL or a Delta Force operator might wear while navigating the chaos of a high-stakes mission? I’ve always been fascinated by the idea that something as simple as a timepiece could carry the weight of history, duty, and camaraderie. These aren’t just watches—they’re symbols of service, etched with the insignia of some of the world’s most elite military and intelligence units. Today, we’re diving into the world of military unit watches, custom-crafted timepieces that tell stories of courage, precision, and exclusivity.
The Allure of Military Unit Watches
At their core, military unit watches are more than just tools for telling time. They’re bespoke creations, commissioned by specific units—think Special Forces, elite aviation squadrons, or covert intelligence teams—and customized with unique insignias, engravings, or dials. These watches are typically purchased privately by the operators themselves, not issued by the government, which adds a personal touch to their significance. From the deserts of Afghanistan to the depths of the ocean, these timepieces are built to endure and commemorate service in ways that few other objects can.
What makes these watches so special? For one, they’re exclusive—you can’t just walk into a store and buy one. They’re reserved for those who’ve earned their place in these elite groups. Plus, they blend cutting-edge craftsmanship with raw, rugged functionality. Let’s explore some of the most iconic examples from brands like Rolex, Omega, Tudor, and more, and uncover what makes them tick (pun intended).
Delta Force Breitling Superocean: A SpecOps Legend
Picture this: it’s 2009, and the Global War on Terror is in full swing. The operators of the U.S. Army’s 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta—better known as Delta Force—are in the thick of it. Amid the intensity, they commissioned a custom Breitling Superocean, a watch as tough as they are. With only 50 pieces made, this timepiece features a subtle unit insignia at nine o’clock and the bold engraving “Oppressors Beware” on the case side.
These watches weren’t just for show—they were worn on missions, beaten up during training, and cherished as mementos of service.
– Former Delta operator
These watches saw action in Iraq and Afghanistan, but they were mostly reserved for downtime or low-intensity training. Today, many former operators still wear them, a tangible reminder of their time with one of the world’s most elite units. The wear and tear on these pieces? That’s not damage—it’s character.
Australian SAS Omega Seamaster: Down Under Grit
Across the globe, the Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) has its own storied relationship with Omega. In 2012, they commissioned a Seamaster with a caseback featuring the SAS Winged Dagger over an outline of Australia, along with the operator’s selection year, regimental number, and the phrase “Happy Wanderer,” the unit’s marching song. This watch was designed with the SASR’s dive capabilities in mind, perfect for operators who spend as much time underwater as above it.
Tragically, one of these watches, belonging to SGT Diddams MG, was stolen in 2021. His family lost an irreplaceable heirloom, a reminder of his service and sacrifice in Afghanistan. If you ever spot a Seamaster with the number 95/8239384, it’s more than a watch—it’s a piece of someone’s legacy.
- Why it stands out: The personal engravings make each watch unique to its owner.
- Fun fact: Omega’s relationship with special forces dates back decades, making it a go-to for elite units.
- Collector’s note: These are rarely seen outside SASR circles, adding to their mystique.
Italian Polizia Rolex Sea-Dweller: The Polipetto
When it comes to unit watches, Rolex is in a league of its own. Enter the “Polipetto,” a Sea-Dweller 16600 customized for the diving branch of Italy’s Polizia di Stato. With a stylized octopus insignia on the dial and a custom caseback, only 78 were made, and just 28 feature the diver’s service number. In 2024, one sold at auction for a jaw-dropping $207,000. Why the hype? It’s the perfect blend of Rolex’s legendary craftsmanship and the exclusivity of a unit-specific design.
I’ll admit, there’s something undeniably cool about a watch nicknamed after an octopus. It’s quirky yet badass, much like the divers who wore it. The 40mm case, aluminum bezel, and lug holes make it a collector’s dream, but its true value lies in its story.
Canadian Tudor Pelagos 39: Tactical Elegance
Tudor has become a heavyweight in the world of unit watches, crafting timepieces for everyone from the U.S. Secret Service to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s Emergency Response Team (ERT). Their Pelagos 39, customized for the ERT, is a standout. Featuring an ERT crest with seven maple leaves, a cavalry sword, and a .308 rifle, this watch is as Canadian as it gets. The lume effect, where the rifle and saber glow but the leaves don’t, is a subtle touch that makes this piece pop.
| Unit | Watch Model | Key Feature |
| Canadian ERT | Tudor Pelagos 39 | ERT crest with glowing rifle and saber |
| Delta Force | Breitling Superocean | “Oppressors Beware” engraving |
| Australian SASR | Omega Seamaster | Winged Dagger caseback |
Only 83 of these were made, delivered in early 2025. They’re not just watches—they’re badges of honor for Canada’s tactical elite.
UK SRR Rolex Submariner: A Modern Legend
Some watches are more than just timekeepers—they’re legends. The Rolex Submariner customized for the UK’s Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR) is one such piece. With a Spartan helmet and sword insignia, this watch screams understated power. Produced in 2013, it’s one of the last unit-specific Rolexes before the brand passed the baton to Tudor. One sold at auction for over $46,000, a testament to its rarity and allure.
A watch like this isn’t just about telling time—it’s about carrying a legacy.
Will Rolex ever revive its unit watch program? I’m crossing my fingers, but for now, these remain holy grails for collectors and operators alike.
French Olympic Omega Seamaster: Unity in Time
The 2024 Olympics weren’t just about athletics—they were a showcase for some seriously cool unit watches. Omega, the official timekeeper, crafted a Seamaster for three elite French law enforcement units: GIGN, RAID, and BRI. What’s unique here? It’s one of the few watches designed for multiple units, with a shared insignia on the caseback. These watches were built for the teams tasked with keeping the Games safe, and they’re as functional as they are symbolic.
I find it fascinating how a single watch can unite three distinct units under one banner. It’s a reminder that timepieces can be more than personal—they can represent shared missions and values.
IWC Top Gun: Aviation Royalty
When it comes to aviation watches, IWC is the undisputed king. Their partnership with the U.S. Navy’s Fighter Weapons School—yes, the real TOPGUN—started as a commercial venture in 2007 but evolved into something more. By 2018, IWC was producing custom watches for TOPGUN graduates, like the Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII and Chronograph, available only to those who’ve earned their wings.
- Origin: Started as a commercial license but grew into custom unit watches.
- Exclusivity: Only TOPGUN graduates can purchase these pieces.
- Impact: Licensing fees support Navy morale and welfare programs.
These watches are a perfect blend of style and substance, designed for pilots who live life at Mach speed.
Bremont’s US-Afghan Special Mission Wing Watch
Bremont’s custom watches have made waves in the special operations world, and their piece for the U.S. servicemen supporting Afghanistan’s Special Mission Wing (SMW) is no exception. Featuring the Dari script and the Mi-17V5 helicopter on the dial, this watch is a tribute to the “Triple Seven” unit. The Cyrillic text under the Bremont logo nods to the Russian heritage of the Mi-17, adding a layer of historical depth.
It’s bittersweet to think about the SMW’s disbandment after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Many pilots escaped, but their stories—and their watches—live on.
UK SAS Breitling Avenger: Across the Pond Influence
Did the U.S. borrow its unit watch obsession from the UK? I’d wager yes. Back in 2003, the UK’s Special Air Service (SAS) commissioned a Breitling Avenger Seawolf with their insignia at nine o’clock. Around 200 were made, each numbered and available only to serving SAS operators. Some were later sold to former members, creating a bridge between past and present.
The SAS Avenger was a game-changer, setting the stage for unit watches worldwide.
– Former SAS operator
The timing suggests Delta Force’s Breitling was inspired by this piece, a testament to the tight-knit world of special operations.
French Marine Nationale Tudor Pelagos FXD
Unlike most unit watches, which are custom versions of existing models, the Tudor Pelagos FXD was built from the ground up for the French Navy’s Commando Hubert. With fixed lugs and a bidirectional countdown bezel, this watch was designed for combat swimmers. Tudor later released a civilian version, but the original remains a SpecOps exclusive.
There’s something poetic about a watch born from the needs of elite divers. It’s not just a tool—it’s a partner in the mission.
SEAL Team Six Tudor Pelagos FXD: Gold Squadron Glory
The Tudor Pelagos FXD for SEAL Team Six’s Gold Squadron is the stuff of legends. With a gold “PELAGOS” dial and a hook-and-loop strap with a gold stripe, this watch is as bold as the operators who wear it. Each squadron has its own version, complete with a unique caseback insignia. Recently spotted on the wrist of a former SEAL turned Senior Enlisted Advisor, this watch is no longer a secret—but it’s still exclusive.
I can’t help but admire the audacity of a gold-accented tactical watch. It’s subtle enough for the field but screams confidence.
Why Collect Military Unit Watches?
These watches aren’t just accessories—they’re heirlooms. For the operators who wear them, they’re a tangible link to their service, their teammates, and their sacrifices. But what about collectors? Some of these timepieces end up at auction, fetching tens of thousands of dollars. While I understand the allure, I can’t shake the feeling that wearing a watch you didn’t earn feels… off.
Don’t get me wrong—capitalism is king, and if someone wants to drop $50,000 on a Delta Force Breitling, that’s their call. But for me, the magic of these watches lies in their stories, not their price tags. Maybe in a few decades, I’ll soften on this, but for now, I’d rather see these pieces stay with those who earned them—or their families.
Unit Watch Value Breakdown: 50% Historical Significance 30% Craftsmanship 20% Exclusivity
So, should you chase these watches? If you’re a collector, focus on the history, not just the hype. If you’re an operator, wear it with pride—it’s a badge of your journey.
In the end, military unit watches are more than just timekeepers. They’re stories, etched in metal and lume, carried on the wrists of those who’ve seen things most of us can only imagine. Whether it’s a Rolex on a UK SRR operator or a Tudor on a SEAL, these watches are a testament to service, sacrifice, and the passage of time.
