The James Bond franchise is a money printing machine. Feverish excitement surrounds the celluloid adaptations of Ian Fleming’s oeuvre as everyone tries to grab a piece, be that the starring role, a cinema ticket or even a piece of memorabilia. Whilst the newer films attract hundreds of millions at the box office, the original releases still hold a magnetic charm over new and old fans alike. Now, there’s a rare chance to get a piece of iconic memorabilia from the George Lazenby 007 days thanks to Artcurial – France’s leading auction house.
The item in question, a Rolex worn by Lazenby in the agent’s sixth outing, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). The Pre-Daytona ref. 6238, was ordered by Eon Productions from the Swiss jewellers Bucherer in 1968 and is distinguished by a red chronograph hand, a feature adapted especially for the part at the producer’s request.
The auction will take place at the Hotel Hermitage, Monte Carlo, on Monday July 18, with no public estimate currently set on the timepiece – although for context, last year a Rolex Submariner worn by Sir Roger Moore in Live and Let Die, fetched $372,000 at auction. The lot includes not only the watch, but a copy of the original invoice from Bucherer with the hand-written note: “This is the watch for James Bond.”
Not an anonymous prop, the Rolex has a key role in the film. Bond can be seen wearing it in various scenes at the Piz Gloria clinic, the hide-out for Spectre in the Swiss Alps. Whilst trapped in the cable car machinery room, he used it to record the timings of the cars to plan his escape down the slopes.
Those wanting to bid at the auction can do so in person, on the phone or online at Artcurial Live Bid.
(Main & featured image: Eon Productions)
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