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pdoukas · 27 January 2012, 03:13 PM

I just read a statement in a sale ad that specified is was a Smiths manufactured watch and not a Rolex that Sir Edmund Hillary wore while conquering Everest. Is there any truth in this, urban legend, or bad sales ploy?

Pete

cruvon · 27 January 2012, 03:19 PM

I have heard that too but not sure:)

Andad · 27 January 2012, 03:40 PM

The Clockmaker's Company Museum at the Guildhall has a Smiths Deluxe on display.
This watch was presented to the museum by Sir Edmund Hillary and was worn by him on his ascent of Everest in 1953.

Perhaps Tenzing was wearing a Rolex?

padi56 · 27 January 2012, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by directioneng

The Clockmaker's Company Museum at the Guildhall has a Smiths Deluxe on display.
This watch was presented to the museum by Sir Edmund Hillary and was worn by him on his ascent of Everest in 1953.

Perhaps Tenzing was wearing a Rolex?

Thats quite true later Smiths made a Everest watch and around that time Smiths had some great in-house movements.

Kayaker52 · 27 January 2012, 10:02 PM

It is true,Smith`s was worn by Sir Edmund.

mike · 27 January 2012, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by directioneng

The Clockmaker's Company Museum at the Guildhall has a Smiths Deluxe on display.
This watch was presented to the museum by Sir Edmund Hillary and was worn by him on his ascent of Everest in 1953.

Perhaps Tenzing was wearing a Rolex?

That is my understanding as well. Tenzing wore the Rolex.

dddrees · 28 January 2012, 12:16 AM

Here's an article that you might find interesting:

http://www.qualitytyme.net/pages/rol...s/everest.html

subtona · 28 January 2012, 12:18 AM

i read that the summit was reached with the "smith," and the rolex was along for the ride until that last push.

MonBK · 28 January 2012, 12:24 AM

Here's the truth.

FremStar · 28 January 2012, 12:26 AM

MonBK is that picture from the watch museum in Pennsylvania? If so I totally missed that! Thanks for showing us the "Truth"

pdoukas · 28 January 2012, 12:38 AM

So if the "truth" is a Smith's watch was worn, why are so many people adamant that a Rolex was worn? It really makes no difference to me, and I'm not trying to stir up trouble, I just thought it would be interesting to know.

Pete

dddrees · 28 January 2012, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdoukas

So if the "truth" is a Smith's watch was worn, why are so many people adamant that a Rolex was worn? It really makes no difference to me, and I'm not trying to stir up trouble, I just thought it would be interesting to know.

Pete

Because Smith didn't advertise but Rolex did. I don''t know if Rolex claimed Sir Edmund actualy wore one or not.

Keeperoftime · 28 January 2012, 01:02 AM

I don't know the truth but I know what my Rolex-Loving heart tells me.

It was a beautiful Rolex Semi-BubbleBack that was worn on the first successful climb on Everest!

DiamondJack · 28 January 2012, 01:35 AM

From what I have read, the debate will never be settled as to which watch was the first to the top of Everest, or which brand Hillary was wearing. Tenzing was wearing an early Explorer, but as the two men swore never to reveal who was first to set foot on the summit, the truth died with them, whatever Rolex's marketing machine might say.

Smiths and Rolex were both suppliers to the expedition mounted by Brigadier Sir John Hunt, and Sir Edmund wrote a letter to Smiths stating 'I carried your watch to the summit. It worked perfectly'. Although it is a strange thing to use the verb 'carry' rather than 'wear'.

In fact, the watch that Hillary 'carried' was a 1215 DeLuxe model (12 lignes, 15 jewels), and immediately after the triumph, Smiths referred to the Deluxe line as 'the Everest model' in their advertising. It wasn't until the early 60s that a model was sold with the word 'Everest' on the dial.

Hard to believe today, but these movements and watches were built and assembled in England; Cheltenham to be precise.

Here is Hillary's actual watch, which he presented to the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and which is displayed today at their museum at the Guildhall (well worth a visit for anyone with an interest in horology). Photographs are strictly forbidden, but the attendant must have popped out of the room when this was taken........

This was one of the reasons, I bought a Smiths (Military in this instance from 1969) but also because it's MADE IN ENGLAND

GeoGio Greece · 28 January 2012, 01:37 AM

Who knows ? I always believed that it was a Rolex Exprorer

GeoGio Greece · 28 January 2012, 01:56 AM

To my knowledge, marine chronometers were firstly made in the UK due to the need to navigate.

And first Rolex weren' t made there too ?

Paulie 50 · 28 January 2012, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike

That is my understanding as well. Tenzing wore the Rolex.

Correct.

FremStar · 28 January 2012, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

From what I have read, the debate will never be settled as to which watch was the first to the top of Everest, or which brand Hillary was wearing. Tenzing was wearing an early Explorer, but as the two men swore never to reveal who was first to set foot on the summit, the truth died with them, whatever Rolex's marketing machine might say.

Smiths and Rolex were both suppliers to the expedition mounted by Brigadier Sir John Hunt, and Sir Edmund wrote a letter to Smiths stating 'I carried your watch to the summit. It worked perfectly'. Although it is a strange thing to use the verb 'carry' rather than 'wear'.

In fact, the watch that Hillary 'carried' was a 1215 DeLuxe model (12 lignes, 15 jewels), and immediately after the triumph, Smiths referred to the Deluxe line as 'the Everest model' in their advertising. It wasn't until the early 60s that a model was sold with the word 'Everest' on the dial.

Hard to believe today, but these movements and watches were built and assembled in England; Cheltenham to be precise.

Here is Hillary's actual watch, which he presented to the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and which is displayed today at their museum at the Guildhall (well worth a visit for anyone with an interest in horology). Photographs are strictly forbidden, but the attendant must have popped out of the room when this was taken........

This was one of the reasons, I bought a Smiths (Military in this instance from 1969) but also because it's MADE IN ENGLAND

Extremely informative, so to summarize the verdict is still up in the air and no one will truly know if Smiths or Rolex was first...

Either way this makes for some great folklore... As I start to embark into the world of vintage these are the types of stories I am extremely interested in educating myself with. Thanks for this post

Welshwatchman · 28 January 2012, 04:18 AM

It's great to see Edmund Hillary's actual Smiths "Everest" on display.

I wonder who currently owns Tenzing's Rolex Explorer. Is it also in a museum somewhere?

DiamondJack · 28 January 2012, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

It's great to see Edmund Hillary's actual Smiths "Everest" on display.

I wonder who currently owns Tenzing's Rolex Explorer. Is it also in a museum somewhere?

Not sure Paul but pulled this of the net......

Rolex Hillary Tenzing Explorer Charity Edition Sold for $ 104,568

MAASTRICHT, The Netherlands, May 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The special Rolex Hillary Tenzing Explorer number 88/88 was sold for $ 104,568 at the Christie's auction at Hotel des Bergues in Geneva. The revenues of the sale will go entirely to the Hillary and Tenzing family foundations.

jdc · 28 January 2012, 06:51 AM

The Vintage Rolex Forum crowd have some interesting stuff

http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...orf+lost+dream

Not relating to 1953 but interesting
http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...ry+%281933%29-

27 January 2012, 03:13 PM	#1
pdoukas "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Pete Location: Arizona Watch: ing Duke bball Posts: 1,488	Anyone know the truth? I just read a statement in a sale ad that specified is was a Smiths manufactured watch and not a Rolex that Sir Edmund Hillary wore while conquering Everest. Is there any truth in this, urban legend, or bad sales ploy? Pete

27 January 2012, 03:19 PM	#2
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	I have heard that too but not sure:) __________________ Last thing I remember, I was Running outta sight I had to find the passage back,To the place I was before. ’Relax,’ said this Rolex place,We are programmed to receive. You can checkout any time you like, But you can never leave!

27 January 2012, 03:40 PM	#3
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,534	The Clockmaker's Company Museum at the Guildhall has a Smiths Deluxe on display. This watch was presented to the museum by Sir Edmund Hillary and was worn by him on his ascent of Everest in 1953. Perhaps Tenzing was wearing a Rolex? __________________ E

28 January 2012, 12:16 AM	#7
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	Here's an article that you might find interesting: http://www.qualitytyme.net/pages/rol...s/everest.html __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

28 January 2012, 12:18 AM	#8
subtona "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: gus Location: East Coast Watch: APK & sometimes Y Posts: 26,601	i read that the summit was reached with the "smith," and the rolex was along for the ride until that last push. __________________

27 January 2012, 10:02 PM	#5
Kayaker52 Banned Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New york Posts: 255	It is true,Smith`s was worn by Sir Edmund.

28 January 2012, 12:24 AM	#9
MonBK Banned Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kingstown Posts: 58,279	Here's the truth. Attached Images

28 January 2012, 12:26 AM	#10
FremStar "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Sam Location: Gotham City Watch: Wall Street Posts: 9,954	MonBK is that picture from the watch museum in Pennsylvania? If so I totally missed that! Thanks for showing us the "Truth" __________________ "Wealth is of the heart and mind, not of the pocket!" "A Watch Is An Emotional Object, And So, It Is The Responsibility Of The Brand To Create Emotion Through It's Products" - Georges Kern "In the 1950s and 60s, they made the Ref 8171, which is a cult collectible—now that’s the ultimate Rolex you could own with a calendar and a moon phase.” - John Reardon "Heh, heh, heh..." - Michael Kilyung

28 January 2012, 12:38 AM	#11
pdoukas "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Pete Location: Arizona Watch: ing Duke bball Posts: 1,488	So if the "truth" is a Smith's watch was worn, why are so many people adamant that a Rolex was worn? It really makes no difference to me, and I'm not trying to stir up trouble, I just thought it would be interesting to know. Pete

28 January 2012, 01:02 AM	#13
Keeperoftime "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Jeremy Location: Louisiana Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,732	I don't know the truth but I know what my Rolex-Loving heart tells me. It was a beautiful Rolex Semi-BubbleBack that was worn on the first successful climb on Everest! __________________ As a man is, so he sees. As the eye is formed, such are its powers. William Blake

28 January 2012, 01:35 AM	#14
DiamondJack "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: London Watch: Quite a few Posts: 4,315	From what I have read, the debate will never be settled as to which watch was the first to the top of Everest, or which brand Hillary was wearing. Tenzing was wearing an early Explorer, but as the two men swore never to reveal who was first to set foot on the summit, the truth died with them, whatever Rolex's marketing machine might say. Smiths and Rolex were both suppliers to the expedition mounted by Brigadier Sir John Hunt, and Sir Edmund wrote a letter to Smiths stating 'I carried your watch to the summit. It worked perfectly'. Although it is a strange thing to use the verb 'carry' rather than 'wear'. In fact, the watch that Hillary 'carried' was a 1215 DeLuxe model (12 lignes, 15 jewels), and immediately after the triumph, Smiths referred to the Deluxe line as 'the Everest model' in their advertising. It wasn't until the early 60s that a model was sold with the word 'Everest' on the dial. Hard to believe today, but these movements and watches were built and assembled in England; Cheltenham to be precise. Here is Hillary's actual watch, which he presented to the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and which is displayed today at their museum at the Guildhall (well worth a visit for anyone with an interest in horology). Photographs are strictly forbidden, but the attendant must have popped out of the room when this was taken........ This was one of the reasons, I bought a Smiths (Military in this instance from 1969) but also because it's MADE IN ENGLAND Attached Images

28 January 2012, 01:37 AM	#15
GeoGio Greece "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: George Location: Athens, Greece Watch: es --> A lot ! Posts: 2,327	Who knows ? I always believed that it was a Rolex Exprorer __________________ Rolex owner since 1971. 5513 and 16700 the loved ones. DJ WG Jubilee 16170 for wife - U series Oyster Perpetual WG 177234 for daughter V-series

28 January 2012, 01:56 AM	#16
GeoGio Greece "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: George Location: Athens, Greece Watch: es --> A lot ! Posts: 2,327	To my knowledge, marine chronometers were firstly made in the UK due to the need to navigate. And first Rolex weren' t made there too ? __________________ Rolex owner since 1971. 5513 and 16700 the loved ones. DJ WG Jubilee 16170 for wife - U series Oyster Perpetual WG 177234 for daughter V-series

28 January 2012, 04:18 AM	#19
Welshwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Paul Location: Wales, UK Posts: 14,578	It's great to see Edmund Hillary's actual Smiths "Everest" on display. I wonder who currently owns Tenzing's Rolex Explorer. Is it also in a museum somewhere? __________________ ..33

28 January 2012, 06:51 AM	#21
jdc "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Martin Location: UK Posts: 7,023	The Vintage Rolex Forum crowd have some interesting stuff http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...orf+lost+dream Not relating to 1953 but interesting http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...ry+%281933%29-

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