A VINTAGE 1950’s Rolex Oyster watch which was mysteriously donated to an Edinburgh charity shop is set to be auctioned to help Scotland’s leading housing and homelessness charity.
The classic timepiece was donated anonymously last month to Shelter Scotland’s Morningside shop along with a bag of other items. Staff at the shop initially dismissed the luxury Rolex wristwatch as a replica, but soon realised they had stumbled on to the real thing.
Valued at almost £1,000 in its current condition, but selling for £7,000 in mint condition, the watch is most famously worn by James Bond in Ian Fleming’s books and quickly became an iconic style statement. The vintage 1950’s, pigskin leather strap watch with stainless steel body and bevelled glass face, will be entered in to a silent auction today [5 December].
Paul Knowles, manager of Shelter Scotland’s Morningside shop, said:
“At first we didn’t think much of it. It was in a sack with other things that had been delivered to the shop. Little did we know that it contained a watch favoured by an international spy On Her Majesty’s Secret Service with a Licence to Kill. Once we realised what we’d found, we were shaken – and a little stirred.
“It looked like an old watch in need of a little repair, but when we took a closer look the Rolex stamp told us it must be the real thing and worth a lot of money. After getting it independently valued we’re hoping that the auction will raise much-needed funds for our charity.”
Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, added:
“Although we don’t know who donated the watch, we would like to thank them for their generosity. We welcome all donations to our shops, no matter how big or small, and it’s always humbling to know that people want to help Shelter Scotland. Without this support, we would not be able to deliver our vital services and campaign for the end of homelessness and bad housing.”
The silent auction – by way of sealed envelope bids to the Edinburgh Morningside shop on 104 Morningside Road – opens today and will close on 18 December at 4.30pm. The minimum bid is set at £200.
Ends/
Notes to Editors:
1. Shelter Scotland provides expert support services, online advice and a free national helpline for everyone facing housing and homelessness difficulties. For advice and support visit http://scotland.shelter.org.uk or call 0808 800 4444.
2. Spokespeople are available for interview – call the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line is available for broadcast interviews.
3. Follow Shelter Scotland on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/shelterinscotland Twitter – http://twitter.com/shelterscotland
Shelter Scotland believes everyone should have a home. We help people find and keep a home. We campaign for decent housing for all.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Shelter Scotland. You too can post a media release (aka press release) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Sabina Kadic-Mackenzie
Phone: 0844 515 2442
Website: http://www.shelter.org.uk
