A WRISTWATCH bought new by a sailor whilst serving on a ship at Singapore is expected to sell for more than £10,000 at auction.
The owner bought his Rolex Submariner from the NAAFI having watched James Bond in the film Dr No wear a similar timepiece.
Many of his ship mates also bought watches, but only 10 Rolex Submariners were available from the NAAFI when he bought it, with his friends settling for other watches, such as the Bulova Accutron, the world’s first fully electronic watch.
Having kept in touch with shipmates he served with over the years, it became a bit of a joke that his Rolex carried on working, keeping perfect time, while others lost time or stopped altogether and were eventually relegated to a drawer.
Now, the Rolex will go up for auction in the Charterhouse two- sale on April 8 and 9.
“Our client bought the watch new for £32 10s in 1967 while serving as a Leading Aircrewman in the Fleet Air Arm, which he recalls was about two weeks wages,” said auctioneer, Richard Bromell.
“He travelled the world with the Navy with visits to Hong Kong, Australia, America and Singapore serving for just under 10 years..”
Moving forward to 2021 and the Rolex has had little use over the past few years.
With the market for vintage Rolex and other prestigious watch brands remaining high, the owner decided to part with his watch after 54 years, as it is just too valuable for him to wear.
In its original Rolex green leather covered box and the guarantee, dated November 2 1967, this Rolex with the dial unusually showing the metres first, is estimated to sell for £10,000 to £12,000 at the Charterhouse auction.
Charterhouse is accepting entries for their busy programme of auctions including sporting items with pictures and books on April 8, watches, Asian art, antiques and interiors on April 9 and their next specialist sales of classic & vintage cars and classic & vintage motorcycles.
Items for these auctions can be delivered directly to Charterhouse at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne. Call 01935 812277, or email photographs of your lots for valuation to info@charterhouse-auction.com.
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