Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions has smashed its pre-sale estimates on two rare Rolex models.
The March auction promoted a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Military Submariner, ref. 5513 in stainless steel as its star lot.
The model was ordered by the Ministry of Defence in the early 1970s with specific requirements including fixed bars so that the straps could not be pulled off, and sword hands for increased legibility.
The 1975 watch (pictured top) had a pre-sale estimate of £40,000-60,000 but sold for £115,920 including buyer’s premium.
A 2007 Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116509 in 18 carat white gold had an estimate of £7,000 – 10,000 but sold for £14,880 including buyer’s premium.
Another surprise was lot 79, a Chopard Happy Sport, stainless steel and diamond wristwatch which achieved a hammer price of £4000 (£5952 including buyer’s premium), according to Dreweatts & Bloomsbury watch specialist Nicholas Mann.
