Rolex

• cal. 4030 automatic movement, 31 jewels • white dial, applied luminous baton numerals, 3 subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour registers • Oyster case, bezel calibrated to tachometer scale, screw-down engraved case back, pushers and crown with protective shoulders • case, dial and movement signed • stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and flip lock clasp • Guarantee, presentation case

The movement is running while cataloguing and all function appear fully operational, however it may require a service in the near future in order to be well preserved. The dial is in very good condition with no visible imperfection. The case shows some light scuffs throughout but it can be easily polished. Overall this watch is in good condition. Case back engraved with the following inscription: "The Rolex Awards For Enterprise, Janus Kurbiel, 1993" Ref n° between the lugs 16520 matching n° on the guarantee. Serial n° between the lugs L346324 matching n° on the guarantee.
"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."

The present watch was made by Rolex for a research program lead by Janusz Kurbiel in 1990-1992. In 1993, the explorer received for the second time the honourable distinction of the "Prix Rolex à l'Esprit d'Entreprise" and upon his request instead of receiving a brand new watch he asked Rolex to engrave his favourite watch for the occasion. Janus Kurbiel wore this watch on all his polar explorations for which he holds many records:

-         Sailing boat latitude at 82°02'N record
-         First circumnavigation in the Svalbard archipelago from West to East 
-         First recognition of the Terre de Blosseville in Greenland
-         Resolution of the Viking's navigation system
-         Resolution of the mystery of Jules de Blosseville's disappearance
-         New theory on ice thawing on the Greenland coast