The Breitling Watch Source Forums

This might be of interest the Rolex fans.

A very interesting lot consisting of 6 Rolex watches owned by Sir Edmund Hillary was supposed to be part of the auction scheduled on November 14 by the Geneava-based Antiquorum auction house in Hong Kong. Among them, a 1953 Explorer and an Oyster Perpetual of the same vintage, réf. 6098 with the engraving « TO SIR E. HILLARY FROM ROLEX BOSECKS CALCUTTA ». It has to be noted that the Oyster Perpetual did not "climb" Mt. Everest as it was given to Sir Hillary when he came back down. But it did make the Antartica expedition (1955-58) on Sir Hillary's wrist.

The lot was put on sale by Sir Hillary's second wife, Lady June Hillary, and were supposed to sell for about $500'000 (but one never knows what an auction can bring). However, his children were against that sale and they brought the matter to the New Zealand courts that blocked the sale. They are arguing that the watches should not leave New Zealand territory since they belong to the New Zealand people.

The Rolexes remain for the time being in the hands of Antiquorum (who had to retrieve them from the auction) pending a final decision by the courts in favor of one (the widow) or the other party (the children).

This case is a reminder of a similar one, when, in 2009, Mahatma Gandhi's Zenith, estimated at $20'000 was finally sold for $2.1 million. Nothing better than a "scandal" for free publicity.

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- This is Ghost Rider requesting a fly-by. - Negative Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

Just kidding. I had no idea that Gandhi wore a Zenith.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

I wonder if the Rolex he climbed Mt. Everest with is up for grabs?


~Brian

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Breitling Super Avenger
Fortis Flieger Chronograph
Rolex Submariner Date

I didn't know he could read a watch, I just figured he was omnipotent or something and just always knew what time it was....now I know he cheated and used a Zenith...what a let down.

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