Lot 71 - 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’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.
While his countless missions remain classified, a special certificate provides undeniable proof that Lt. Colonel Luttrell worked in support of the Black Bat Squadron of the CIA reconnaissance plane pilots and crew based in Taiwan during the Cold War. The plaque awards Major Luttrell with Republic of China Air Force wings. This achievement is extraordinarily rare, as ROCAF wings are reserved specifically for members of the ROCAF 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. 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 ones 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 Ms Lori Luttrell, the daughter of the original owner, Lieutenant Colonel Alfred N. Luttrell.
