Remember this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140434318093&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBUAA:US:1123

After "bigging-up" this watch on some of the watch forums, I wanted to see the sale through to the end, and I am now pleased to report the happy conclusion to this little episode.

After some fast and furious bidding, the watch was finally sold for a cool GBP£60,600. I'm sorry to have to say it didn't make its way into the MW Collection, but instead went to a private European collector.

Postage and packing was originally listed at GBP£7.50, but I don't think this would have quite covered the insurance on such a valuable item!! I offered to assist the winning bidder and seller to complete the sale, if necessary collecting and delivering the watch on behalf of the buyer.

The excited buyer was very keen to meet the owner, and to hear the military history of the watch first-hand. I offered to collect the buyer from a local airport and take him to meet the seller, before returning him to the airport for his flight home.

To facilitate the transaction, the buyer wired the money to me in the UK, so we could make the payment on the day.

So last Saturday morning, I drove in to Manchester Airport to collect the buyer straight off the plane



and we set off on the thirty minute drive north to meet the seller.

The watch was waiting for us, and the buyer got to examine his prize for the first time



I was relieved that everything was in order, and the buyer was delighted with his purchase. The seller was equally pleased. I got the thumbs-up, and handed over the readies



Gulp!! At least my briefcase would now a bit lighter!

Smiles all around, and we left the seller with a promise of a letter of provenance and related items of militaria connected to the watch's history to follow-on afterwards.

The new owner was like a dog with two tails, and back at my place he got chance to scrutinise his new watch a little more closely



The schedule gave us just enough time to enjoy a nice lunch, and I brought along a few of my milSubs to compare with the eBay watch. It's always fascinating to see the minor variations between these rare divers...







After lunch, straight back to the airport, and the collector flew home proudly wearing his new "Grail" milSub.

The watch will be coming back to England soon for a full overhaul at Rolex UK, but unsurprisingly, the new owner wants to enjoy looking at his watch for a while before waving it goodbye for four months!!

My efforts were rewarded with nice bottles of champagne from both the buyer and seller, which I will enjoy in due course (thanks!! ). Hic!

This watch must rate as one of the most original British military issue Rolex Submariners to have appeared for a long time, reflected in the relatively high price the watch sold for on eBay.

The watch retained its original T-circle dial and perfectly-matched Rolex "gladiator" hands, the rare 60 minute marker bezel (the bezel pearl was actually present - just pushed inside the bezel!), the fixed strap bars had never been tampered with, the Royal Navy military issue markings on the case back were completely original, the domed crystal was probably the original from new.












When I went to examine the watch, I believe it was the first time the watch was ever opened since it left the Rolex factory thirty-five years ago: the movement had not been touched or serviced in its life, the inside of the case back had no repair marks, and the inside case back serial number exactly matched the case number. The owner was able to confirm the watch's military history, including its use during the Falklands War. They rarely come better!

Congratulations to the watch's new owner, and I know the watch will get regular use and enjoyment! And to the original owner and seller, thank you for keeping this historic watch "perfect" for the benefit of us all!!

MW



Edit: Typo & Re-organise pictures

Great story Mike. Thanks for sharing this with us!

Extraordinary support. Thumbs up Sir !!!


Best
Matthias

Mike! You did the perfect job!!!!

Thanks for sharing!!

Best regards from Germany
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What a great story!!!

You went way ou of your way for both buyer and seller. I am glad it all worked out and it is a beautiful Milsub.
Godspeed
Andres

I know the collector is very happy and proud!

And fantastic of you to offer so much help....

LOOOOL the exchange looks like a MAFIA movie.... only missing the bags of powder LOOOOL!

Happy end!!! Great job my friend!

Another hero story on VRF!

Best,

B

Well done indeed to all all parties involved!

Steve.P

thks for sharing.

Who'd have thought that

Best regards
Orchi.

great post mikey !!

great guy that mr wood and glad it went to a fellow collector

That is a nice story with a happy all around ending. Was the owner emotional about letting the watch go? How long did it take to count all the bills lol.
You mentioned that the new owner is planning on sending the watch in for a complete service. Wont that kill the collectors value?

Thanks

Rolex UK are still very happy to service and handle Rolex Military Submariners without fear of them "spoiling" watches. They do understand and appreciate the need to keep them as original as possible, and they will consult with the owner before replacing any crucial parts.

Unfortunately Rolex no longer have spare / replacement milSub dials, hands or bezel inserts (this is why they are so costly in the vintage parts market), but they will endeavour to repair and refit original parts where possible / practical.

Rolex will generally replace the plexi crystal, screw-down winding crown, and all seals and gaskets during a routine service and overhaul. Although retaining the original domed plexi is desirable, Rolex will not guarantee water-resistance unless a replacement is fitted during service.

The case of the eBay watch is very original, and a light polish will restore it to near-mint. I feel this would beneficial to the appearance of the watch, and won't detract from its appeal. I always give Rolex free rein to restore my milSub cases as they feel best, and I have not been disappointed.

Once fully overhauled, and with supporting documentation, the £61k purchase price will seem a bargain...!

Cheers

Mike thanks for sharing your experience with this Milsub!! It seemed like a great journey and fantastic photos!!

Very COOOOL!!!

Very nice of you.

Snoop

Great story from original listing, to final handover.
Couldnt keep my eyes of ebay during the 10 day auction.
Glad there are guys out there like you to assist with these transactions.
Joe.

Love this one:



&



It's great to have you around, my hero!
Thnks.Philipp

thats a dream purchase for the new owner!!

thanks for sharing.
S

Great story - thank you!

I'm not an expert and barely an average Rolex Vintage collector, but two things that keep me connected with this forum:

The magnificent knowledge and timepieces sharing.. and people like you MIKE ...

Wonderful story of an iconic watch. So many thanks for sharing.
You've make my day! Hats off.

Cheers,
M.

Wonderful story....

nt

to this great story Mike.
You're a class act.

Cheers
pete

What a generous and kind series of gestures. Hats off to you.

Regards,
Martyn.

...I read since a long time!

Thanks a lot for sharing Mike and hats off to you for your behaviour.
A real Gentleman.