A Rolex originally picked up for just US$90 (US$800 today when adjusted to inflation) has just been sold for a quarter of a million dollars at auction.
Which means the family of a late miner – who inherited the timepiece – really struck gold.
It turns out that Submariner 5512 has an extremely rare Explorer dial. Instead of the usual indices, it has numbers at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions. It was only produced for a very short period in the 1960s, and there are few known examples currently in existence.
That’s mainly because of Rolex, which would update and upgrade the dial of these particular models when they came in for servicing. Luckily, this one still has the original.
The watch was picked up for US$250,000 by a Hong Kong-based collector. According to David Hare, director of the Wiltshire auction house, “the late owner’s family are naturally delighted as this was a very sentimental piece.”
The Rolex was picked up from Watches of Switzerland by the coal minder in 1964 to celebrate his 40th birthday. It was then handed down to family members who did not realize the value of the watch.
Fortunately, the family also kept the original box, the Rolex guarantee and service booklet, as well as images of the original owner wearing the watch.
“It never ceases to amaze me that, after 60 years, we’re still able to discover such rare pieces,” Hare added. “This sale proves it’s worth checking through your drawers to see what’s there.”
So best get shuffling around your grandparent’s attics.
Esquire now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit ‘Like’ on our Esquire Facebook page and ‘Follow’ on our @esquiremiddleeast Instagram and Twitter account.
-1200x900.jpg)
