An auction is set to take place this week for a Rolex Submariner watch that was purchased for £70 in 1964, with an estimated value of up to £45,000. The watch belonged to Simon Barnett, a Royal Navy diver involved in rescue operations, who passed away in 2019. His son, Pete Barnett, from Diss, Norfolk, is now selling the watch through an auctioneer. Pete discovered his father’s military log books and photos after his death, which revealed the watch’s significance.
The Rolex Submariner was considered a tool at the time of purchase, unlike its current status as a fashionable accessory. Simon Barnett faced life-threatening situations during his career, including a near-death experience while trying to rescue a pilot from a crashed Navy helicopter.
The watch, used by Simon to time his dives, gained attention after appearing on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, where it was appraised at a value of £60,000. TW Gaze, the auction house in Diss, has assessed its value to be between £30,000 and £45,000. The watch’s extensive documentation and historical records add to its appeal and rarity, making it an exciting item for collectors.
Elizabeth Talbot, an auctioneer from TW Gaze, expressed enthusiasm about the watch, noting its exceptional documentation and visual evidence, which vividly bring its history to life. The watch has been meticulously recorded, capturing almost every day of the serviceman’s life, making it a truly unique and rare item.
Pete Barnett, who only discovered his father’s past as a diver after his passing, emphasized the watch’s importance as a crucial tool for his father’s underwater activities. The Rolex Submariner was used by Simon Barnett to accurately measure the duration of his dives, providing him with essential information about his time underwater.
The watch gained significant attention when it was featured on the popular TV show, Antiques Roadshow, where experts appraised its value at £60,000. Now, it is scheduled to be auctioned on Thursday by TW Gaze in Diss.
With its historical significance, well-documented provenance, and the story behind its use by Simon Barnett, the Rolex Submariner has generated considerable excitement among collectors and enthusiasts. The auction house has set its estimated value between £30,000 and £45,000, reflecting the watch’s unique appeal and potential for a substantial return on investment.
This auction presents a rare opportunity for watch collectors and individuals interested in military history to acquire a timepiece with a rich background and remarkable value appreciation over the years.
£70 Rolex Watch Could Fetch £45,000 at Auction
If you are a watch enthusiast, you might be interested to know that a Rolex Submariner watch, bought for just £70 in 1964, could fetch up to £45,000 at auction. The watch was owned by Simon Barnett, a diver who worked on rescue helicopters in the Royal Navy. After his death in 2019, his son Peter inherited the timepiece, which he later brought to the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. The historic 1963 Rolex Submariner watch was then valued at £20,000-£25,000, but it could now fetch more than double that amount.
The Rolex Submariner is a highly sought-after watch, known for its durability and precision. It was first introduced in 1954 and has since become an icon in the world of luxury watches. The model owned by Simon Barnett is particularly rare, as it features a “four-liner” dial that displays the depth rating in meters, as well as the words “Submariner” and “Oyster Perpetual” in white text. This design was only produced for a short period of time, making it a highly desirable collector’s item.
Despite its initial purchase price of just £70, the Rolex Submariner is now considered a valuable investment. The watch market has seen a surge in demand in recent years, with collectors willing to pay top dollar for rare and unique timepieces. If you happen to own a vintage Rolex, it might be worth getting it appraised to see if it could fetch a high price at auction.
The Rolex Watch
If you’re a watch enthusiast, you know that Rolex is a name that commands respect and admiration. The brand is synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and precision. A recent news story has highlighted the enduring value of Rolex watches, with a rare Submariner model bought for just £70 in 1964 expected to fetch over £45,000 at auction.
History of Rolex Watches
Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London. The company originally traded as Wilsdorf and Davis before becoming Rolex in 1915. The brand quickly gained a reputation for quality and innovation, with the first waterproof wristwatch, the Oyster, introduced in 1926.
Over the years, Rolex has continued to push the boundaries of watchmaking, introducing new features and designs that have become industry standards. The brand is known for its attention to detail and its commitment to excellence, with every watch subjected to rigorous testing and quality control.
Importance of Rolex Watches
Rolex watches are more than just timepieces – they are symbols of status, achievement, and style. The brand’s iconic designs have become cultural touchstones, worn by everyone from explorers and athletes to movie stars and politicians.
But there’s more to Rolex watches than just their aesthetic appeal. The brand’s commitment to quality and precision means that a Rolex watch is a reliable and accurate timekeeper, built to last for generations. And as the recent news story demonstrates, Rolex watches can also be a sound investment, with certain models increasing in value over time.
In conclusion, the Rolex watch is a true icon of the watchmaking world, with a rich history and enduring appeal. Whether you’re a collector, an enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates quality and craftsmanship, a Rolex watch is a timeless investment that you can enjoy for years to come.