Rolex Explorer sells for over four times its estimate

A Rolex Explorer in August’s Watch Sale has sold for a whopping £31,900 (including fees). The gentleman’s stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Explorer bracelet watch had an estimate of £4,800 – £5,800. It attracted interest from bidders in the room, internet, and over the telephones. The fierce bidding resulted in the Explorer selling for a hammer price of £25,000, at approximately 1:53pm on Tuesday 13th August.

The bidding started at £5,000 and continued to rise for a few minutes with bids going back and forth until ultimately an internet bidder on the Fellows Live bidding platform won the watch. Dating back to 1954, the Explorer is a rare, early example which had a functioning movement and was in a good condition.

The early 1950’s vintage timepiece was Lot 241 in the sale. With a stainless steel case and an engraved case back, and reference 6150, the watch has a signed automatic calibre 17090. Its beautiful black dial with baton hour markers complement the Rolex, with the Arabic numeral three, six and nine comprising the front of the watch. It is fitted to a signed stainless steel Oyster riveted bracelet with Oysterclasp.

Steven Yambo, Senior Watch Specialist, said: “This Explorer is an incredibly early model with a lovely aged dial, so it isn’t a surprise that it sold for this amount. There was a lot of interest in the room and on the telephones which we were very happy with. The sale of this watch rounds up another successful Watch Sale at Fellows, and we are already planning for our next auction in September.”

Our next flagship Watch Sale will take place on 15th October 2019. You can receive a free, no-obligation valuation on your watch by using our free online valuation service.