Mercedes Gleitze's Rolex Oyster Makes a Splash at Sotheby's After 25 Years

In November, the world of watch collecting will turn its eyes to a timepiece brimming with history and famed tenacity. The Rolex Oyster, famously adorned by Mercedes Gleitze during her ‘Vindication Swim’ of 1927, is set to emerge at Sotheby’s Important Watches Live Sale after 25 years.

Undeterred by claims of fraud cast upon her initial Strait-crossing achievement, Gleitze plunged back into the waters on October 21st, 1927 for an audacious second attempt. Despite being thwarted by inclement weather after ten hours, her tenacious spirit was only outshone by her steadfast Rolex Oyster, which despite being strapped to her chest in the icy Channel, continued to function flawlessly.

Mercedes Gleitze was not merely a wearer, rather the first ’testimonee’ of Rolex, marking the genesis of the concept of a brand ambassador. For years, the brand and the indomitable endurance swimmer became synonymous with each other. Today, Gleitze and her Rolex Oyster still live on together, exemplifying the very ethos of Rolex – resilience and class. As this piece of watchmaking history readies itself to come under the hammer, the watch world anticipates with bated breath, poised to witness another historic moment.