Interesting Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Submariner 'Single R...

Hammer

£12,000

Interesting Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Submariner 'Single Red' stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch, reference no. 1680, serial no. 3389xxx, circa 1972, bi-rotational bezel, 'Swiss- T<25' Mark IV black dial with luminous markers, Mercedes style hands, sweep centre seconds and date aperture, cal. 1570 26 jewel movement, triplock crown, 9315 Oyster bracelet with 380 end links and folding clasp, bezel 40mm
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** Originally owned by Mr W.T Sampson (Bill) who was a former Naval Officer and Marine Superintendent to H.M King Hussein I, serving in the Middle East training sailors for the King Hussein's royal fleet.
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Bill and the King became good friends in the 1970s and it was often recollected amongst his family that this watch was a personal gift from the King to Bill.
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They remained in contact years later with personally addressed photographs and greetings cards being exchanged. Bill passed away in 2000 where the watch was passed down to his son by descent.
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The sale of this watch includes digital copies of two photographs sent from King Hussein and his wife Lisa Halaby (Queen Noor al-Hussein) personally addressed to Bill Sampson, one taken from their wedding day in 1978, the other with a portrait of Queen al-Hussein; also included is a copy of a 1996/97 New Year greeting card from the King Hussein and his family. 

More Information

Movement - currently functioning, but not been touched or serviced in the past twenty years.
Dial - a nice clean example with good patina, the marks show in the image area of the glass which has visible marks - see images
Glass - visible surface marks present, rim mark at the 8-9 position and would benefit with replacement.
Hands - nice patina matching the dial markings.
Case - the watch is well worn, the case has surface marks and light scratch marks present, the bezel is currently seized and requires attention or clean to release - see all images.
Crown - trip-lock crown adjusting correctly.
Bracelet - surface marks and scratch marks present, spring bar pins require replacement as one is at fault, wrist size 7.75" approx.
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Condition reports are provided for general guidance only. Please view images and further information can be obtained upon request. Gardiner Houlgate do not guarantee the working order or time accuracy of any lots. Due to the opening of the wristwatch case backs, it is recommended watches are re-sealed by professional technicians to ensure any stated water resistance is retained