Rolex's Historic Oyster Watch, Swum Across English Channel, Up for Auction
Rolex is set to auction a historic timepiece, the Oyster apple watch, which played a pivotal role in shaping the brand's marketing strategy. This iconic watch was gifted to British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze before her 1927 English Channel crossing.
In 1927, Rolex presented the waterproof Oyster apple watch to Mercedes Gleitze, an accomplished swimmer. This generous gift marked a significant turning point for Rolex, defining and shaping the brand's marketing strategy. The watch, designed to withstand harsh conditions, proved its durability during Gleitze's 10-hour swim across the English Channel. Remarkably, the Oyster mechanism remained undamaged and functional, demonstrating Rolex's commitment to crafting reliable, robust timepieces.
The watch, now up for auction, is expected to fetch up to $1.3 million. Its journey from Gleitze's historic swim to the present day is a testament to its enduring value and significance. In 2000, the watch was bought by an unknown buyer for 17,000 pounds ($22,000). Despite extensive searches, the identity of this buyer remains unknown.
The Oyster apple watch, a symbol of Rolex's innovation and durability, is set to return to the spotlight at an upcoming auction. Its association with Mercedes Gleitze's remarkable swim across the English Channel adds a layer of historical significance to this iconic timepiece.
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