A historic Rolex watch has reached an impressive value at auction: $1.73 million. The model, known as the “Companion Oyster,” once belonged to swimmer Mercedes Gleitze, the first British woman to swim across the English Channel, and was one of the highlights of the Sotheby’s auction held in Geneva, according to Robb Report.
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Gleitze’s Rolex, an ultra-rare 9-carat gold prototype with a 27 mm case, was acquired by a private Asian collector after an intense bidding battle with three other participants. The model was crucial in cementing Rolex’s reputation as a benchmark in water-resistant watches, durability, and technical innovation.
The piece holds great historical value: Gleitze wore it on October 21, 1927, during one of her attempts to swim across the Channel again, just weeks after her successful crossing. Although the new attempt was unsuccessful, the achievement and the watch remained symbols of the athlete’s determination and Rolex’s technical pioneering spirit.
According to Robb Report, the auction also celebrated Breguet’s 250th anniversary, featuring legendary pieces that exceeded expectations. A four-minute tourbillon from the maison sold for around $2.33 million, far surpassing its initial estimate. Another highlight was a skeleton watch with a three-wheel pendulum, created and personally used by George Daniels, sold for the same amount.
Among the most coveted lots was a 20-carat gold *perpétuelle montre à tact* watch, linked to King George IV of Great Britain, which fetched approximately $945,000. The piece features several innovations developed by Breguet, including automatic winding and a tactile mechanism for silent time reading.
The auction also set a record for the Cartier Baignoire model, sold for $283,921—four times its initial estimate—a clear sign that the luxury and collectibles market remains strong even amid economic uncertainty.
Source: Robb Report. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
