Rolex Oyster Watch Worn by Mercedes Gleitze in 1927 Channel Swim Fetches Up to $1.3M at Auction
A Rolex Oyster watch, once worn by British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze during her historic 1927 English Channel crossing, is set to fetch up to $1.3 million at auction. The timepiece, which has remained undamaged after over 90 years, is expected to draw significant attention from collectors.
The watch, which Rolex gifted to Gleitze before her swim, played a pivotal role in shaping the brand's marketing strategy. Gleitze, the first British woman to accomplish the feat, completed the 21-mile swim in just over 10 hours. Remarkably, the Oyster mechanism inside the watch remained undamaged and functional despite being submerged in water for the duration of the swim.
The watch, which the current owner bought in 2000 for £17,000 (approximately $22,000 at the time), is now estimated to sell for up to $1.3 million. This valuation comes on the heels of another historic item, a Hermès Birkin bag designed for and owned by Jane Birkin, which sold at Sotheby's in July for $10 million including fees.
The Rolex Oyster watch, a testament to the brand's durability and craftsmanship, is not only a significant piece of horological history but also a symbol of human achievement. Its upcoming auction is a testament to the enduring appeal of such iconic items.
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