
Jonathan Darracott
Global Head
Sold for £15,250 inc. premium
Our Watches specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistGlobal Head
Head of sale, Knightsbridge
Head of Department
Senior Cataloguer
In 1959 8 men from the 12th and 13th Battalions of the Parachute Regiment embarked on an expedition in 2 Land Rovers covering Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa. The Pegasus Overland expedition, as it was known, took 51 weeks with the men travelling through 34 countries. It is believed that the voyage was sponsored by Rolex and each member of the group was gifted a Rolex to wear upon the trip. The current lot is one of this number and is offered on behalf of the family of Peter Finn, a telephonic engineer from Liverpool, who made up part of the octet.
The expedition was well recorded and a set of fantastic videos reproducing the original film is available to view via the below links. The footage offers a fascinating glimpse of late 50s life around many places in the world showing snippets of everything from global architecture, fashion, motoring to nature and iconic landmarks. At 12 minutes 37 of video 1 one of the Rolexes gifted can be seen prominently upon the wrist of the driver.
Please note that the case number should read 161520.