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Lot Essay
Consigned by the family of the original owner, a U.S. Air Force Pilot who spent countless top secret missions overseas, this incredible Rolex Explorer reference 6610 remains in well-preserved condition.
Lieutenant Colonel Alfred N. Luttrell
Lieutenant Colonel Alfred N. Luttrell’s career was varied, prolific, and largely shrouded in mystery. He acquired a top secret government clearance in the late 50’s, around the same time he purchased the present Ref. 6610 Explorer, likely to mark the momentous achievement. Much of his special missions and projects remain classified to this day, but with the help of his daughter, Ms Lori Luttrell, we are able to celebrate this incredible American story.
Alfred N. Luttrell’s career began as an officer and pilot for the United States Air Force. From humble beginnings on a farm in Tennessee, Lt. Colonel Luttrell’s vocation sent him across the globe including Japan, France, and the Philippines, which was a strategic staging area for the Vietnam War. Lori Luttrell recalls fond memories growing up in the Philippines surrounded by American titans, soaring the skies and making their mark in history.
While his countless missions remain classified, a special certificate (fig. 9) provides undeniable proof that Lt. Colonel Luttrell worked in support of the Black Bat Squadron, otherwise known as the 34th Squadron of CIA reconnaissance plane pilots and crew based in Taiwan during the Cold War. The plaque is dated May 10, 1968 and awards Major Luttrell with ROCAF (Republic of China Air Force) wings. This achievement is extraordinarily rare, as ROCAF wings are reserved specifically for members of the Republic of China Air Force and are not generally awarded to individuals from other countries.
In Lt. Colonel Luttrell’s tenure, he operated under many prestigious titles and worked in collaboration with incredible institutions outside of the military including Nasa, Lincoln Laboratories, and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). From Chief Test Pilot, and Squadron Commander, to Aircraft Systems and Flight Instructor, Lt. Colonel Luttrell had unparalleled knowledge as a pilot, operating and maintaining over a dozen different aircrafts including the B-52, F-15, T-38 Talon, and the C-130 Hercules, used to evacuate hundreds of Vietnamese civilians during the fall of Saigon.
We are honored to present this Rolex Explorer, worn throughout Lt. Colonel Luttrell’s monumental ventures, and grateful for the research and personal recounts provided by Miss Lori Luttrell, the daughter of the original owner, Lieutenant Colonel Alfred N. Luttrell.
Reference 6610
Launched in 1955 and quickly discontinued in 1959, the Rolex Explorer reference 6610 was the third model from the Explorer family and features the iconic black gilt 3-6-9 dial. In this particular example, the luminous material has turned to an attractive orange custard color which wonderfully complements the gilt text, chapter ring, and hands. This watch has its original factory painted white seconds hand for contrast and legibility. Fitted on its original Rolex Oyster rivet bracelet with the rare 'big logo' clasp dated '1. 59', this timepiece is a supremely scarce opportunity to own a fresh to market and well-preserved example of Rolex history.
Lieutenant Colonel Alfred N. Luttrell
Lieutenant Colonel Alfred N. Luttrell’s career was varied, prolific, and largely shrouded in mystery. He acquired a top secret government clearance in the late 50’s, around the same time he purchased the present Ref. 6610 Explorer, likely to mark the momentous achievement. Much of his special missions and projects remain classified to this day, but with the help of his daughter, Ms Lori Luttrell, we are able to celebrate this incredible American story.
Alfred N. Luttrell’s career began as an officer and pilot for the United States Air Force. From humble beginnings on a farm in Tennessee, Lt. Colonel Luttrell’s vocation sent him across the globe including Japan, France, and the Philippines, which was a strategic staging area for the Vietnam War. Lori Luttrell recalls fond memories growing up in the Philippines surrounded by American titans, soaring the skies and making their mark in history.
While his countless missions remain classified, a special certificate (fig. 9) provides undeniable proof that Lt. Colonel Luttrell worked in support of the Black Bat Squadron, otherwise known as the 34th Squadron of CIA reconnaissance plane pilots and crew based in Taiwan during the Cold War. The plaque is dated May 10, 1968 and awards Major Luttrell with ROCAF (Republic of China Air Force) wings. This achievement is extraordinarily rare, as ROCAF wings are reserved specifically for members of the Republic of China Air Force and are not generally awarded to individuals from other countries.
In Lt. Colonel Luttrell’s tenure, he operated under many prestigious titles and worked in collaboration with incredible institutions outside of the military including Nasa, Lincoln Laboratories, and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). From Chief Test Pilot, and Squadron Commander, to Aircraft Systems and Flight Instructor, Lt. Colonel Luttrell had unparalleled knowledge as a pilot, operating and maintaining over a dozen different aircrafts including the B-52, F-15, T-38 Talon, and the C-130 Hercules, used to evacuate hundreds of Vietnamese civilians during the fall of Saigon.
We are honored to present this Rolex Explorer, worn throughout Lt. Colonel Luttrell’s monumental ventures, and grateful for the research and personal recounts provided by Miss Lori Luttrell, the daughter of the original owner, Lieutenant Colonel Alfred N. Luttrell.
Reference 6610
Launched in 1955 and quickly discontinued in 1959, the Rolex Explorer reference 6610 was the third model from the Explorer family and features the iconic black gilt 3-6-9 dial. In this particular example, the luminous material has turned to an attractive orange custard color which wonderfully complements the gilt text, chapter ring, and hands. This watch has its original factory painted white seconds hand for contrast and legibility. Fitted on its original Rolex Oyster rivet bracelet with the rare 'big logo' clasp dated '1. 59', this timepiece is a supremely scarce opportunity to own a fresh to market and well-preserved example of Rolex history.