A Rolex watch carried on the first successful ascent of Mount Everest, in 1953, realised ?�27,140 ($38,195) at Lockdales in Martlesham, UK.
The Oyster Perpetual Explorer was one of a handful produced especially for the expedition and is designed to cope with high altitudes. It was worn by an unknown member of the 400-strong party.
 The Rolex watch beat its estimate by 3,292% |
Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay arrived at the summit of Everest at 11:30 on May 29, 1953. The feat is one of the most important achievements in the history of mountaineering.
The auction house was unaware of the watch's remarkable history until just before the sale began. It was originally listed with an estimate of just ?�800 ($1,126) - resulting in an increase of 3,292%.
James Sadler of Lockdales comments: "This watch is truly ultra-rare. It is one of a rare batch that were designed to work perfectly at altitude.
"Rolex brought a very limited number out ahead of the epic climb by the party which saw Sir Edmund Hillary reach the summit with Tenzing Norgay.
"The 11 bidders are all dedicated specialists in their field.
"Many of them have told us that the previous high for an explorer watch like this was ?�17,000. So we are so proud of the staggering figure achieved on our premises."
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