A significant piece of horological and sporting history, the Rolex Oyster watch worn by Mercedes Gleitze during her historic 1927 English Channel swim, is set to be offered at Sotheby's in Geneva on November 9, 2025. This iconic timepiece, a testament to pioneering waterproof technology, is anticipated to command a significant price, with estimates exceeding one million Swiss francs (approximately $1.3 million USD).
Gleitze's remarkable feat of swimming the English Channel became inextricably linked with the Rolex Oyster, solidifying the watch's reputation for unparalleled water resistance. The watch proved its mettle during her grueling 10-hour and 24-minute "vindication swim" on October 21, 1927, an event undertaken to reaffirm her earlier success after a rival's fraudulent claim. The Rolex Oyster, introduced in 1926, was a groundbreaking innovation, being the world's first truly waterproof and dustproof wristwatch. Its hermetically sealed case, a revolutionary design featuring a screw-down bezel, case back, and winding crown, was engineered to protect the delicate movement from the elements.
Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf recognized the immense marketing potential of Gleitze's swim. He provided her with the Oyster watch for her "vindication swim," and its successful endurance in the harsh Channel waters provided Rolex with irrefutable proof of its capabilities. This event marked a turning point for Rolex, establishing the brand's association with adventurers and professionals in demanding environments and birthing the concept of the "brand ambassador." Following the swim, Rolex famously advertised the watch as "wonder-watch defying the elements".
This particular Rolex Oyster, made of 9-carat yellow gold, is a pre-patent model, with the case back bearing the inscription "patent applied for." Gleitze continued to wear this significant timepiece for the rest of her life, making it a deeply personal artifact. After being sold by a descendant of Gleitze's in 2000 for £17,037, the watch is now appearing at auction for the first time in 25 years. The auction at Sotheby's Important Watches sale on November 9, 2025, presents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece of horological legend.
The story of Gleitze and the Rolex Oyster was immortalized in the film "Vindication Swim," released in 2024.