RAF officers Rolex With History.

[padi56]

Found this on the net and thought it was interesting!

A Rolex originally belonging to Squadren Leader JAH Sargeaunt who was imprisoned in Stalag Luft III the POW camp where the real "Great Escape Film" occured.

Oliver Philpott who was the third member to escape through the tunnel documented his exeriences in the 1950 book "Stolen Journey" which was the basis for the film "The Great Escape" with Steve McQueen.

Needing a watch to wear "with an armed German guard to dodge by leaving before he came on duty,and the Berlin express to catch to take us across enemy territory. Punctuality was not a luxury: it was a necessity. I went to see Jimmie. "Jimmie,you know that Rolex,"- I paused. "Yes Ollie-I-do-worth £28 10s., and brand -new,"and even as he spoke,Jimmie undid it and handed it to me. "Don't get a rifle bullet through it-and give it to my father when you get back. (Taken from Stolen Journey Oliver Philpott Hodder & Stoughton 1950 First Edition)

The watch was returned to Jimmie Sargeaunt after the war and he later gave it to a girlfriend who's family considered him "unsuitable". She lent it to her cousin Sir Hugo Boothby who subsequently died and the watch was found in his posessions by his son Brooke and returned to her. Signed on the case back S/LDR.J.A.H. SARGEAUNT RAF 70600 with the relevent model and serial number and also a letter of provenance from the owners as well as a First Edition of Oliver Philpotts book Stolen Journey.As for todays value it could be as high £25000- £27000.
1.Picture actual watch a very nice bubble back.

Rolex%20Bubble%20RAF.jpeg