Raider Replica Rolex

I first encountered Sangin Instruments during a deployment to the Middle East while working at the CIA. As part of a covert counterterrorism operation, I found myself on a plane filled with CIA officers, each in their own world – paramilitary officers, analysts, and support staff – dressed in a mix of civilian clothing ranging from business casual to collegiate. The vibe was casual yet professional, an environment where everyone knew which rules mattered and which ones didn’t.

During a refueling stop in Europe, I struck up a conversation with a fellow passenger, a GRS (Global Response Staff) contractor who was reading a book on the Rhodesian Bush War. Our discussion shifted from counterterrorism strategies and ongoing conflicts to watches. He asked about my Rolex Submariner, mentioning that he used to wear one on deployments but had lost it during a divorce. Now, he wore a Sangin watch. He eagerly shared his passion for the brand, explaining what made Sangin different.

At that point, my interest in watches was still superficial. However, over subsequent deployments, I began to notice that many in the SpecOps and intelligence communities were sporting Sangin watches. This repeated pattern piqued my curiosity. Sangin was more than just a watch brand – it was a subculture, a “if you know, you know” phenomenon.

To understand why Sangin had captured the attention of elite operators, I reached out to one of the brand’s co-founders, Jacob Servantes. Servantes, a Marine Raider, shared the origin story of the brand and what it means to wear a Sangin watch.

For Jacob, watches represent more than just watches – they symbolize purpose and resilience. “You come out of the military feeling lost, unsure of your place in the world. Sangin gave me that sense of purpose again,” he explained. Servantes, like many veterans, found it challenging to adjust to civilian life after his service. In 2008, he enlisted with the aim of eventually becoming a Reconnaissance Marine, unaware that the restructuring of the Marine Corps would lead to the formation of MARSOC, the Marine Special Operations Command.

The selection process for MARSOC was brutal and kept under wraps, but Servantes described it as a constant push toward higher standards. “We used to joke that the mattress fairy would take people away at night,” he recalled, referring to the thinning ranks during their training. In his class, out of 120 Marines, only 25 made it through a grueling three-week selection process. The rigorous nature of the training was not just a test of physical strength, but of mental toughness, a theme that Servantes would later apply to the founding of Sangin Instruments: “Selection is continuous.”

The name “Sangin” holds deep personal significance for Servantes. It is derived from Sangin, a district in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province, a place where he and his team spent much of their deployment. The area, known as one of the most dangerous regions in the world during the Global War on Terror, became a symbol of sacrifice and resilience. “Sangin was a place where many of us lost brothers. But it’s also a name that represents overcoming adversity and carrying those memories forward in a positive way,” he explained.

Building Sangin Instruments wasn’t easy, and it almost didn’t happen. After returning from a deployment, Servantes confided in his wife, Paris, that he had completed his time in special operations. He had worn various replica Rolex watches during his service, including a M-1 Breitling Chrono Avenger and several digital tool watches, all of which inspired ideas for a new kind of watch – one that was tough, affordable, and spoke to the military community.

In 2017, after receiving guidance from watchmaker Bill Yao of MK II, the couple launched their first prototype. But the journey was far from smooth. During the pre-sale for the Kinetic 1, PayPal froze their funds without explanation, forcing Servantes and Paris to tap into their personal savings to move forward with production. Despite the financial strain, they persevered, with Paris handling quality control and customer service while Jacob continued his studies. Their gamble paid off, and the first batch of watches was a success.

The essence of Sangin Instruments lies in its connection to the community. “A watch isn’t just a tool; it’s a part of a larger story. It’s a way for people to carry their experiences with them after they leave the service,” Servantes explained. Today, Sangin’s collection ranges from the entry-level Overlord quartz to the premium Hydra diver’s watch. The company’s focus on its community remains central, with certain models reserved for those who have completed specialized training, such as the Para Overlord for airborne personnel or the Atlas and Neptune models for Special Operations Forces.

Sangin’s reputation as the “Raider Rolex” has spread within the military and intelligence communities. Many of those who wear Sangin watches proudly tell stories of their deployments, with each watch serving as a tangible reminder of their sacrifices and achievements. “It’s not just about having a durable watch – it’s about owning a piece of your service,” Servantes said.

Despite its success, Sangin’s mission goes beyond just making fake Rolex watches. Servantes is committed to giving back to the veteran community, supporting organizations like the HunterSeven Foundation, Special Operations Care Fund (SOC-F), and Vigilant Torch. His brand is not just about creating a product; it’s about preserving the culture of military professionals and offering them a way to carry their legacy forward.

Servantes continues to maintain its core ethos: creating high-quality, meaningful watches for those who serve. In a world dominated by luxury brands, Sangin has carved out its own niche, providing something both practical and personal for those who understand the true value of a watch. For many, owning a Sangin is more than just owning a watch – it’s a badge of honor.