A 1940 Rolex Oyster chronograph wristwatch belonging to a Great Escape POW is to cross the block.
It's expected to sell for around £50,000 ($75,050) at Bourne End Auctions on December 2.
 Flight lieutenant Jack Williams ordered the Rolex on credit during the second world war |
During the second world war, Rolex famously ran a promotion whereby British POWs could receive a watch on credit - the balance to be paid after the war.
Flight lieutenant Jack Williams was a prisoner at the Stalag Luft III camp in Poland and was one of the masterminds behind the legendary escape tunnel.
Before he escaped he gave the watch to a friend, Sergeant Don Williams, and asked him to keep it should anything happen to him.
Tragically, Jack was one of the 50 men shot by the Gestapo after they were recaptured.
Martin Perrin of Bourne End Auctions told the Daily Mail: "[Flt Lt Williams] played a prominent part in the construction of the escape tunnel, hence his relatively high number in the queue…
"It is very hard to put a value on history. There is a lot of poignancy with this watch given what happened to Jack Williams."
Another Great Escape Rolex was sold for £50,000 ($75,050) at Bourne End Auctions in 2013.
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