Marcos — then nearing the end of his second and final term — repeatedly denied any plan to declare Martial Law. But as Earl G. Parreño writes in Boss Danding, “it was clearly high on Marcos' mind years before… Like a poker player, he kept his Martial Law card close to his chest.”
The Rolex 12
During this period, speculation and rumors were rife of the existence of the so-called Rolex 12, described by former national security adviser Jose T. Almonte as “the group of defense officials and two civilians tasked with the implementation of martial law.”
Why the name “Rolex 12”? Its members — among them Juan Ponce Enrile, Minister of National Defense; Romeo Espino, AFP Chief of Staff; and Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. — joined Marcos in a meeting at Malacañang Park on Sept. 14, 1972. “The mood was very formal,” Espino recalled, as cited by Conrado de Quiros.
It is said that each member received a Rolex watch from Marcos himself, although this has been repeatedly denied over time. Others — including Danding — maintained that those were actually Omega watches, reflecting, perhaps, Marcos’ Ilocano aka thrifty side.
Phoenix J. Powers, author of “The Great Gold Swindle: Yamashita’s Gold, 75 Years of Philippine Corruption,” notes that among the 12 members, an inner circle of five —later known as “Omega 5” — received Omega watches instead of Rolexes.
But whatever the case or the truth may be, it is well documented that the late former president rewarded loyal and trusted cronies quite handsomely.
A rare Rolex
This leads us to the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, which is among the lots up for bid in the forthcoming “The Magnificent September Auction” of León Gallery.
To be held on Sept. 13, 2025, at 2 p.m., the auction is part of León Gallery’s 15th anniversary celebration.
Collectors of Marcosiana — yes, they exist — or monied buyers eager for a piece of presidential history, however dark, will be pleased to know that the 18k yellow gold Rolex bears on its back the engraved signature of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
The Swiss timepiece, lacking its original box and papers, is described by León Gallery as “exceptional” and a “symbol of power, loyalty, and shared influence.” It comes from the personal collection of a “close friend and confidant” of the former president. As to who that person is — and who will end up owning the watch — is anyone’s guess.
Other notable pieces
Meanwhile, for collectors eyeing less controversial pieces, the auction also showcases celebrated works that speak of the Philippines’ rich artistic heritage.
Anita Magsaysay-Ho's "Pounding Rice" is regarded as the artist's second egg tempera masterpiece. This is the painting that brought forth Anita's modernist style.
In her memoirs, she wrote that this work marked the genesis of her exaggerated figures of women that would later become the centerpiece of many of her paintings.
At the peak of his career, Félix Resurrección Hidalgo paid homage to European history and mythology with his "Venus and the Swan."
Eventually finding a home in the collection of the gentleman scholar, Dr. Teyet Pascual, “Venus and the Swan” is Hidalgo's tribute to the enduring virtues of classical beauty. Notably, the work is also the largest Hidalgo masterpiece to enter the market.
Two works by Dr. José Rizal highlight the multifaceted nature of the Philippines’ National Hero. One is an artwork depicting Rizal drafting the façade of his envisioned academic academy, rendered with precise proportions. The other is a rare first edition of his landmark novel, “Noli Me Tangere.”
This particular edition of the Noli bears Rizal’s personal handwritten note to his fellow ilustrado and amigo, Don Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera. A Filipinista himself, Tavera became one of the first recipients of the Berlin edition, the first edition of the novel.
Imagine that: a watch linked to a late, deposed leader alongside works by those who sparked nationalism and freedom. This should make for a strangely interesting auction indeed.
León Gallery’s 2025 The Magnificent September Auction will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at 2 p.m. The preview exhibit will run from Sept. 6 to Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., at G/F Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
To browse the online catalog, visit https://leon-gallery.com/. For further inquiries, email info@leon-gallery.com or contact 8856 2781. Follow León Gallery on their social media pages for timely updates: Facebook: www.facebook.com/leongallerymakati and Instagram @leongallerymakati.
Features Reporter
