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Rare, Bizarre Bubble-Top Rolex Expected To Fetch Millions At Auction September 20, 2021 (0 comments)
Geneva, Switzerland—An unusual Rolex called the “Deep Sea Special” is expected to fetch between US $1.3 million and $2.5 million when it goes up for auction this November at Phillips’ auction house in Geneva, Switzerland. Only 35 of this model were ever made and only six have ever hit the market, says this article in the Australian edition of GQ magazine. Image:GQ.com.au
While Rolex—like most luxury watchmakers—produces special edition models, most of those still look like a traditional Rolex. This one, however, is dramatically different with its chunky body and bubble-shaped top.
The Deep Sea Special was developed in the late 1950s as an experimental model to test watches that went beyond simple waterproofing and therefore could be used during deep sea dives. The technology of the Deep Sea Special, if not its looks, led to the development of the more familiar Rolex diver's watches, such as the Submariner and the Sea-Dweller.
A side view of the experimental Rolex Deep Sea Special. Image: GQ.com.au