The Rare Rolex from a ‘Great Escape’ Hero

LONDON | 16 APRIL

Discover the fascinating history of this rare Rolex chronograph reference 3525. The original owner was an SAS soldier involved in the WWII mission that inspired Steve McQueen’s 1963 film ‘The Great Escape’. Captured behind enemy lines, Sergeant Anthony O’Brien was transported to the notorious POW camp, Stalag Luft III, where he oversaw tunnelling in the ‘Tally-Ho’ escape operation. The Reference 3525 is well-known for having been supplied to British prisoners by Rolex during WWII. The present example is a superb specimen and a highlight of our upcoming Watches sale (16 April | London). Click here to watch more Sotheby’s videos.

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