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An iconic watch that once graced the wrists of Pussy Galore, Picasso, Che Guevara and Fidel Castro is expected to reach into the tens of thousands as it goes up for auction in Jersey tonight.
The auction of the new Rolex GMT-Master II at the Jersey Hospice Ball tonight will help the charity raise funds for the expansion of the its services to include children and young people with life-limiting illnesses.
Hettich Jewellers have donated the iconic Rolex ‘Pepsi’, which owes its name to its bright red and blue bezel similar to the Pepsi branding and became 'the' watch to have very shortly after its launch in 1954.
The highly sought-after model has just been re-released in an original stainless steel design: the GMT-Master II with a vintage-style Jubilee bracelet. It can display two time zones at the same time.
Pictured: The highly sought-after watch has just been re-released in an original stainless steel design.
Hettich Jewellers say that if you want to get your hands on one of the watches, starting at £5,800, you'll have to move fast. Although they’ve just been released into the retail market, there’s already a waiting list and some watches have been reportedly changing hands for more than £20,000.
But Jersey Hospice's Ball is now offering an opportunity to bypass that queue.
Islanders can bid tonight either in person or on the phone, or even sneak in an offer at Hettich Jewellers' today.
The watch can be seen today in the shop and the team can also take bids over the phone.
Pictured: Hettich Jewellers are the only Rolex approved retailers in Jersey.
Jersey Hospice say that the funds will allow them to maintain and enhance their current services, as well as providing new ones. Expected to launch soon, a new hospice provision to support terminally ill children will see the young patients and their families benefit from specialised care, short breaks and bereavement support.
Jeffrey Chinn, Director of Hettich said: "Jersey Hospice Care has been there to support so many local families through the years. But few realise just how much it costs to provide a service like this. Jersey Hospice Care needs £16,200 a day to run. That’s every day of the year.
"Without wholehearted support and the work of more than 400 volunteers and a team of 100 staff, day after day, Jersey Hospice Care’s vital network of services and support just wouldn’t exist. We’re delighted to be playing our part to ensure the work of Jersey Hospice Care can continue, and we hope the lucky bidder will enjoy wearing their new Rolex GMT-Master II knowing that their purchase has supported a charity at the heart of the island."
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