Fresh from hosting the inaugural London Watch Week, Bonhams’ Bond Street premises will showcase a selection of exceptional vintage Rolex watches in its upcoming London Fine Watches sale on June 19. Among the highlights are three rare military-linked timepieces, each with documented ties to British armed forces history.
The Royal Navy’s Rolex Submariner
Leading the auction is a highly sought-after Rolex “MilSub” Submariner (Ref. 5513), circa 1975. Originally issued to the Royal Navy between 1971 and 1979, this stainless-steel diver features a NATO fabric strap, tritium luminescence (marked by a circled “T” on the dial), and fixed strap bars. The watch was owned by bomb clearance diver Russell Paxman, whose family consigned the piece. Despite Paxman modifying the strap bars to fit a bracelet—later seamlessly welded back—the lot carries an estimate of £80,000–£120,000. Included with the watch are newspaper clippings detailing Paxman’s missions and his 1980s Royal Navy dive logbook.
A Chronometer with Royal Naval Pedigree
At the opposite end of Rolex’s historical spectrum is a 1948 “Oyster Speedking,” one of only 136 to earn the prestigious “Kew A” chronometer certification. This ultra-rare timepiece bears an engraving on its clasp: “To Sir Frederick Brundrett K.B.E. C.B, Chief R.N.S.S 1947-1950, From his colleagues, 30th June 1950.” Sir Frederick, later Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Ministry of Defence, was knighted twice for his service.
Jonathan Darracott, Bonhams’ Global Head of Watches, noted the watch’s significance: “This was the first of the 136 submitted to Kew Observatory—and it passed flawlessly.” Despite its rarity, the Speedking carries a modest estimate of £10,000–£15,000.
A Sultan’s Gift: The Khanjar Day-Date
Rounding out the trio is a Rolex Day-Date (Ref. 18039, circa 1983) in 18K white gold, featuring the coveted “Khanjar” dial—Oman’s national emblem. Originally gifted by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said to Lieutenant General Sir Michael Stuart Gray, this watch (Lot 68) is estimated at £20,000–£30,000.
Exhibition and Auction Details
The three Rolexes, alongside other highlights like a “Leopard” Daytona and a COMEX Sea-Dweller, will be displayed at Bonhams on June 17 during London Watch Week. Darracott praised the event as a milestone for London’s horological scene, calling it “a platform to reinforce the city’s role in the global watch community.”
