Rolex

This is a watch I have had some time, it has been great reading and finding out about the 1969 polar expedition and about the relationship between good friends Allan Gill and Sir Wally Herbert. After much searching I have still not been able to find out i...  

First things first...congratulations on pursuing the history. Regardless of whether you can pinpoint whether or not this specific watch went to the pole or not, you have revealed an enormous amount of history and historical potential for the watch. So man... 

Thank you for the kind reply. Another mystery to me is that Rolex state in the letter the watch was "re-engraved", I wonder what that means? I believe when the engraving seen on the case back was done the whole case back was replaced, The inner case back ... 

This may be far fetched, but you could possible send the watch to a lab for forensic testing to see if there are any traces of polar ice left between the crown and case. Would love to know how you came upon this wonder. I suspect if through auction, you w... 

The watch was bought by a friend at a small local auction. He called me to ask me what I thought and I said get it no matter what. The auction house only had a copy letter from Rolex and the auction slipped by pretty unnoticed. I collected the watch from ... 

Wishing you good luck to find more pieces of this puzzle. Best regards, hs

Thank you! That is exactly what the research has been like, a big puzzle, one which has missing pieces though. I shudder to think how many hours I have spent on this watch and on a couple of others over the last couple of years. All done in my free time t... 

....so often the "research" we do is like a detective story...and in many cases it can take years to unfold!!

Thanks for this nice moment of History, Michael. Here is mine, to acompany yours: Best, Nicolas ...  

Very nice explorer. That is just the type of watch I like. Did you have to do much research? or were you already aware of the history behind the watch? Thanks Mick

Glad you left the bezel alone Nicolas, the marks on watches like that are meant to be there., very cool watch. The probability of finding another watch like that on the market is 0. Do you wear the watch regularly? Thanks Mick

These dings are part of its History. Best, Michael. Nicolas

the true essence of the Explorer ! Thanks for sharing the watch and the story with us.

I've found contact info for Dr. Ken Hedges in Canada and will forward by PM. Unfortunately, no email so you may have to write a letter. I'm very indebted to your post for discovering this remarkable man. Here is his bio as posted in the Journal of the Inu... 

Thank you for the kind and helpful reply's. I am going to call Dr Ken Hedges and will also write him a letter, I will report back if I uncover any more details. All the best Michael.

Thanks to Dean (tick talk) on this forum who provided the email address of Dr Ken Edges. With deans help I would not have made contact with Ken who is the last remaining member of the British trans Artic expedition of 1968-69. So I am very greatful for hi...