Sir Edmund Hillary’s Rolex watch up for grabs

LONDON - Sir Edmund Hillary’s family is selling a Rolex watch, presented to the explorer after his successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.

The Oyster Perpetual, which was presented to Hillary by Rolex Bosecks of Calcutta, is one of the watches owned by the explorer which are going under the hammer, reports the Telegraph.

Hillary wore it during the Antarctic expedition of 1955-1958 - the first overland crossing of Antarctica and the first expedition to reach the South Pole since Scott in 1912.

It is inscribed ‘To Sir E. Hillary From Bosecks Calcutta’ and despite its damaged visage, it is estimated to fetch over 12,000 pounds.

A 1972 Rolex Explorer I, purchaded by the explorer on the 20th anniversary of his failed 1972 attempt on mountain Cho Oyu, and a 1973 Explorer II, bought on the 20th anniversary of his Everest ascent, are also part of the auction.

The Explorer II watch is valued at 12,000 pounds. (ANI)