Rolex

• cal. 1520 automatic lever movement, 26 jewels, mono-metallic balance • black dial, luminescent triangular, baton and dot indexes, luminescent hands • Rolex Oyster case, screw-down crown and case back, rotating black bezel calibrated for 60 units • case, dial and movement signed • stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding clasp

The automatic movement is running at the time of cataloguing. Dial is in good condition. The bezel is faded and is lacking the luminescent dot at 12 o'clock. There are scuffs throughout the case and the bracelet and some indentations to the lugs. The reference number between the lugs is 5513 The serial number is 4393342 Case back numbered 1680
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by a presentation case, signed copy of Goldfinder by Keith Jessop, The Sunday Times supplement and DVD of the salvage operation

Keith Jessop was behind one of the greatest deep sea salvage operations in history. In 1981 five tons (42 million pounds sterling) of Stalin's gold was recovered from the wreck of the HMS Edinburgh in the Barents Sea in the Arctic Ocean, which had sunk in 1942 after being hit by torpedoes.
The gold was being shipped from Russia to Great Britain to pay for American weapons and supplies delivered early in the Second World War. Keith Jessop used the North Sea oil industry technology of saturation diving (breathing helium and oxygen and living in compression chambers for 42 days) to allow the divers to recover the wooden boxes of gold which were located in the ship's bomb room at a depth of approximately 800ft. Each box contained four or five bars, which would equate to approximately 1.5 million pounds sterling today.
Keith Jessop wore the Rolex during the salvage operation (as illustrated in his autobiography 'Goldfinder').  The watch has remained in the family until now.