A watch designed by Rolex for racing driver Sir Malcolm Campbell is valued at $95,250-163,285 ahead of Artcurial's Fine Watches sale in Monaco on July 22.
Campbell was a legendary racing driver who set a new land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah in 1935 in the Bluebird, a 27-foot long car powered by a supercharged Rolls-Royce engine.
 Rolex designed the watch for Malcolm Campbell in gratitude for his endorsement |
In 1933 Campbell appeared in an advert for the Rolex Oyster, the text of which reads: "Rolex watch worn during record attempt and still going splendidly notwithstanding rough usage received".
Shortly after his triumph in Utah, Campbell wrote to the company stating: "I have now been using my Rolex watch for a while, and it is keeping perfect time under somewhat strenuous conditions."
In response to his loyal endorsement, the company created 12 chronographs in his honour that were presented to famous racing drivers of the era.
The example offered is the one given to Campbell himself and is housed in a blue case along with a miniature model of an Alfa Romero P2.
The auction will feature a wealth of watches by the world's greatest makers including Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Jaeger Lecoultre.
We have this classic Longines Men's Olympic Series watch available.
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