DrStrong
[Rolex Moderator]
6930
Vintage Rolex Dinner / Exhibition in London
They had invited a few collectors for a exhibition and dinner the day prior to the conference organized by the Royal Geographical Society to mark the 60th anniversary of the first ascent of mount Everest.
The dinner was very exciting, not only because it was the opportunity for me to meet again some old friends. There were also some extraordinary historical pieces and the presence of Peter Hillary and
Jamling Tenzing Norgay made this event very, very special.
Paul Maudsley had brought some spectacular watches that are going to be offered at the june Bonhams sale in London.
Mike Wood was kind enough to present us a small part of his breathtaking vintage Rolex collection. First here are some 5513 and 5517 Milsubs...I'm afraid he has even more of them in his safe !
Do you love black dial Daytonas ? I think Mike does !
Another one here - a very early one - next to a Jean Claude Killy ref. 6036:
And of course a Paul Newman dial variation:
I am really crazy about these grails: especially the lightning second Milgauss....
Some of the Submariner presented by Mike are ultra-rare variations....like this 1956 red depth Big Crown, or the 1957 watch delivered to the Royal Navy !!
For those who love red "watches", there were crazy red Submariner and Double Red Sea Dwellers:
And of course the mandatory Comex...again a small part of Mike's collection, with all the different plexi references that were delivered to the French diving company
Some watches are fully documented, with detailed diving records...I really love when a watch comes with such an historical background
...and Mike has the talent for finding the special goodies ;-)
Philipp Stahl was kind enough to bring a lot of Explorers, some historical and some new models:
Here's a crazy Big Crown with Explorer dial....the condition of this watch is hard to believe !
Apparently this Freccione has been used as a real toolwatch and not as a safe queen !
And of course Philipp has presented his ref. 6098 of Dr Charles Evans, who made the first attempt to conquer mount Everest in may 1953. What an historical timepiece !
The watch is still in its original condition. It was already used during the Swiss 1952 attempt to climb Mt Everest and is anly one number away from Hillary's watch in Zurich Beyer museum.
As you can imagine, it was a very special moment for me to hold this watch and take pictures of it, knowing its history.
Here's a picture of this watch on Dr Evan's wrist just after his unsuccessful 1953 attempt..
(Credit: Rolex Passion Report)
Thanks a lot to the organizers! The vintage Rolex community is not only full of crazy watches, there are also crazy and passionate people...like those who made this event happen.
This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2013-05-31 23:54:58 This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2013-05-31 23:55:24 This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2013-06-01 00:18:53 This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2013-06-01 11:59:40 This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2013-06-07 00:04:21
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Vintage Rolex Dinner / Exhibition in London
Earlier this week, I was lucky enough to attend a great watch meeting organized by the famous Rolex collectors / enthusiasts Philipp Stahl and Mike Wood. They had invited a few collectors for a exhibition and dinner the day prior to the conference organiz...
Great post Jeff !!!
And very nice pictures too. the best way to start a great day. Thanks for that report. Guillaume
It was a pleasure to meet again...
...and chat in front of such great watches.. (Photo Bernhard) By the way, congrats for your growing collection of rare vintage Rolex. ...
It was great to see you both there....
and I can only agree that it was an amazing day in a couple of really cool venues! A dinner shot of our stealth chronos Jeff! ;-) Ross :) ...
Hah that's a good one Ross !
it was also a pleasure for me to finally meet you, after years of exchanging e-mail.
Wow, wow! I am very, very impressed. What...
a collection of historic watches made by a collection of crazy collectors :):) Thank you Dr Strong. Cheers Francois
Fantastic post Jeff!! :-)
Thank you for making the trip to join us, and I hope you and your wife enjoyed London!! It was great to meet up, and I think everyone had a really great day! Love you report... more pictures, please!! MW :-)
Unfortunately...
...lots of them are out of focus...because of excitement....and Mojitos...!
Thank you!
Thank you, Jeff, for this very nice report! Wish I had been there! Mike's collection is something that simply shocks me every time I see (part of) it!
Thanks for the post!
And thank you for poisoning me. Love the vintage Rolex, especially the Daytonas :D
Thanks for sharing Jeff !
Great Rolex, great friends, great event, the champion's league or the Rolex vintage my friend ;) Best Patrice
Great report Jeff
Thanks for covering the event. It must have been very exciting to attend. Great pictures. Best Bill
Thank you
For the report and for allowing us to see some pretty rare stuff. Looking at some watches allowed me to do one of my favorite things: Dream of owning these fine examples one day. Nothing like dreaming! Best Edmond
Great report Jeff
Very cool watches on display. And it is great to see that scuffed up 1655 - it was used to the max for its intended purpose! That is great! V/R Mike
What a great post Jeff! Thank you so much for sharing...
... this fantastic report, about this magnificient event. How nice would be to view in person all these one of a kind pieces together! Best cordial regards, Abel.
Thanks Jeff for a first class report............
What an amazing collection of histroic Rolex watches. I only need one!! :)
