London, Knightsbridge – Bonhams Watches and Wristwatches sale on 22 November will offer a 208-lot sale of classic and contemporary timepieces from desired names in the preloved market, including top lots from Rolex with models ranging in dates from 1953-2022, alongside Patek Philippe, Cartier, Panerai, Breitling and Blancpain.

Charles Dower, Bonhams watches specialist, commented: "The Watches and Wristwatch sale includes some highly sought after lots and represents some of the leading names of desirable watches including an unprecedented selection of Rolex timepieces ranging in date from early models such as the 1953 Rolex Precision 'Pre-Explorer', reference 6150 - with impeccable provenance being offered on behalf of the family of the original owner - to more current 2022 designs. We look forward to presenting the collection to our clients."

Leading the sale is a rare Rolex Submariner, reference 5513, stainless-steel automatic bracelet watch, circa 1962, the year the model was first released. The watch was produced in small numbers and fitted with a black Explorer dial with gilt chapter ring exclamation point. The timepiece is offered with an estimate of £30,000-40,000.

Also on offer is an exceptional Rolex Yacht-Master, reference 126655, 18K rose gold automatic calendar wristwatch, circa 2022. The watch features a black Rolex Oyster flex rubber bracelet strap with black dial with luminous dot hour markers, baton quarters, white outer minute divisions, magnified date aperture at 3 and rose gilt Mercedes hands with luminous inserts. Offered with an estimate of £15,000-20,000.

Another notable lot is a Rolex Sea-Dweller 'Great White', reference 1665, stainless-steel automatic calendar bracelet watch, circa 1978. First launched in the 1960's, the Sea-Dweller was specially developed for deep-sea divers with a helium escape valve on the side a greater depth rating of 610 meters and the removal of the cyclops from the crystal, the Sea-Dweller has been favoured by professional divers ever since its introduction. The timepiece has a black dial with luminous dot hour markers, and polished Mercedes hands with luminous inserts with white text earning the watch the nickname of 'Great White'. Offered with an estimate of £12,000-18,000.

Other notable highlights include:

• A Rolex Submariner, reference 6536-1, circa 1957. The stainless-steel automatic bracelet watch with gilt gloss black dial is offered with an estimate of £10,000-15,000.

• A rare Rolex Precision 'Pre-Explorer', reference 6150, circa 1953 the year the model was introduced. 'Explorer' appeared on the dial after the name was registered in Geneva in 1953 following the historical expedition to reach the summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, catapulting the Explorer into the legendary status it now enjoys. The gilt dial of the lot has Precision printed rather than Explorer, as such this reference is designated as a 'Pre-Explorer'. The stainless-steel automatic wristwatch with gilt dial is offered with an estimate of £8,000-12,000.

• A Rolex Submariner, reference 5513/5512, circa 1976. The stainless-steel automatic bracelet watch with black dial is offered with an estimate of £8,000-12,000.

10 November 2023