I will check with him and the book. I have several M.N. and A.F. watches. I have never seen anything like the Rolex M.N. engravings before from the French military.

Aug 26, 2023,08:36 AM
 

Do you have decom papers? I would like to see at least one Rolex M.N. with a genuine Decom paper and paper work from the Armory it came from. Or at least a verification photo of a M.N. diver wearing one.

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Mini Overview of "Vintage Military Wristwatches" by Zaf Basha

 
 By: Seiji Lepine : August 20th, 2023-13:39
I got an early first edition copy of Zaf's new book, "Vintage Military Wristwatches". I doubt there is anyone here that doesn't know Zaf Basha, but if you are new to military watches then you might not know about Zaf who is one of best and most knowledgea...  

 
 By: Seiji Lepine : August 20th, 2023-22:24
Thanks! It's always good in my opinion to support authors that spend years putting together an accurate and useful reference book. I'm really happy with my copy of his book and thought other milwatch collectors might be indecisive about buying a boutique ... 

I have bought many watches from him over the years.

 
 By: Seiji Lepine : August 21st, 2023-11:51
Yes, he's been in this industry for several decades. I bought several watches from him. Most of my commando watches and German ww2 watches came from Zaf. I was lucky I bought them when we could still find many of them.

 
 By: Seiji Lepine : August 21st, 2023-17:57
Those are fanatic watches and getting harder to find really nice ones. I think I saw your posting of it, I have to look around to see it again

Yep...

 
 By: amanico : August 21st, 2023-20:02
...  

Fully agree!

 
 By: NT931 : August 27th, 2023-13:47
Having bought Zaf's book on vintage JLC, and a vintage Calatrava from him too, I would definitely vouch for his scholarly approach to writing books, and as a seller I would trust.

Thanks much, Seiji. Bill Sohne brought this book up recently . . .

 
 By: Dr No : August 21st, 2023-20:56
. . . in our usual Sunday teleconference. I haven't ordered a copy yet, but will soon. Cordially, Art

 
 By: Seiji Lepine : August 21st, 2023-22:38
Great! Some of the countries like Japan could use more watches, but the main countries are well covered.

Hi Seiji

 
 By: FranckAlexandre : August 24th, 2023-12:59
Could you tell us what Zaf says about Rolex 5513 MN? Thanks Franck

I will check with him and the book. I have several M.N. and A.F. watches. I have never seen anything like the Rolex M.N. engravings before from the French military.

 
 By: Seiji Lepine : August 26th, 2023-08:36
Do you have decom papers? I would like to see at least one Rolex M.N. with a genuine Decom paper and paper work from the Armory it came from. Or at least a verification photo of a M.N. diver wearing one.

MN 5513

 
 By: FranckAlexandre : August 26th, 2023-10:29
We have never seen decom papers. And we know why. Those watches had never been sold by « les domaines ». All of them came from the Brest Arsenal. Nico knows the story as Zaf certainly. We could talk during hours on this subject. And you could see some of ... 

Two Rolex M.N.

 
 By: Seiji Lepine : August 26th, 2023-14:09
There are two examples in his book.

MN 007/67?

 
 By: FranckAlexandre : August 26th, 2023-20:14
A navy Officer in Brest list all the instruments used by the Royale.

 
 By: Seiji Lepine : September 6th, 2023-19:33
Had a chance to visit my safety deposit box and take some pictures along with Zaf's great reference book. ...  

French military watch pic's

 
 By: ticktockerati : December 2nd, 2023-10:06
Lovely examples and some excellent pictures of the French military watches. Thank you for sharing your review of Zaf's book he is a font of knowledge. ⚙️ Type 20 Special forces ...