James Bond Watches Blog

Photo Set #3: Rolex 6238 Chronograph, serial number 1206613 (same as reported by Christie's for James Bond watch in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service")

Not including the original from the 2003 Christie’s auction, that is.

To recap: This past Thanksgiving Day weekend, a credible source appeared on Twitter in response to a post made by Hodinkee about its report that Matthew Bain, Inc., had purchased and now continues to own the screen-worn James Bond Rolex 6238 Chronograph from the movie, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (Eon Productions, 1969).

That story, “So— is it ‘the’ George Lazenby James Bond Chronograph, or not?” appeared on this James Bond Watches Blog on November 28, 2011.

You can also read about my own follow-up to the Hodinkee story, including reports from my own interview with Matt Bain, posted here on September 29, 2010.

As part of that, Mr Bain kindly provided me with high-resolution photographs of this Rolex 6238 pre-Daytona Chronograph. Those half-dozen-plus images can be found here on the September 29, 2010, post. Let’s call this “Photo Set #1.”

Then, as the current controversy broke, I received a photograph said to be of the Rolex 6238 sold by Christie’s on December 16, 2003, via Sale number 9771, Lot 164. That photo was published here on this James Bond Watches Blog on December 16, 2003. It was taken by a customer of the “euro-collector” shortly after the Christie’s sale. Recall that Christie’s listed its case number (serial number) as 1206613.

Label this: “Photo Set #2.”

Assuming both claims are true— the Christie’s watch would have to have been sold first to the euro-collector. Then the euro-collector would have to have continue reading…

Rolex 1016 Explorer James Bond / Ian Fleming watch model, dial close-up

Although Rolex made its reference 1016 Explorer I model for many years, only a few were similar to what Ian Fleming wore — and the example upon which he based his original, literary James Bond watch.

Item number 230718585924, currently available for auction on eBay, is one that meets that criteria.

Radium dial intact.

Riveted bracelet, with proper end links.

In the time since this Rolex Explorer 1016 first came up as a listing, I’ve been in frequent contact with the seller. Beyond the auction itself, he has generously provided the images that appear with this James Bond Watches Blog post in support of current and future collectors.

This watch, with serial number 516,723, dates to the second quarter of 1960 (additionally see caseback images, below). That means it was produced less than a year before the Ian Fleming watch. Recall that the Fleming-Bond watch evidences either case number 596,351 or 596,851.

It’s been speculated that this particular iteration of the Rolex 1016, dating to turn of the decade, was moving through official jewelers at a time of increasing sensitivity to dangers associated with the use of radium for wristwatch luminescence. Fearful customers and assertive store owners pressed to have these dials replaced. And they did.

That’s part of the reason why continue reading…

Shortly after I began this investigation of conflicting ownership claims regarding the George Lazenby James Bond Rolex 6238 Chronograph, this photo was sent to me by a fellow in Europe: He believes that it is the actual wristwatch worn in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (1969)

It’s funny how often some watch guys who’d otherwise have no interest or respect for Ian Fleming take refuge in regurgitating the Bond-author’s words when pushed to actually substantiate their claims.

Specifically, arguing the notion that Mr Fleming seriously advocated that any claim made must be unconditionally accepted until proven untrue.

A standard that would allow any online seller to claim that his Omega Speedmaster offered up at auction is, in fact, the Buzz Aldrin moon watch.

“How do you know it isn’t?”

Perhaps a bit more history would be helpful here.

The Ian Fleming citation we’re talking about here refers to a throw-away line he’d included as little more than coloring in an otherwise straightforward time-of-day reference.

“When the big hands of Moscow’s three hundred electric clocks reach the hour of six….”* (Emphasis added.)

Upon contemporaneous review, prior to publication, colleague Robin Kinkead asked him: “How do you know there are three hundred?”

To which Mr Fleming flippantly replied: “How do you know there aren’t?”

Now, seriously: Does anyone actually believe that Ian Fleming intended this as a standard by which all facts should be validated?

For those who do, perhaps it’s a good thing that the United States government has stepped up with oversight “to protect the innocent.” I am not a lawyer. Nor do I play one on TV. But it’s my understanding that “truth in advertising” laws trump cliched misquotes of Ian Fleming when it comes to seller offerings. To wit:

“Advertisers must have evidence to back up their claims.”

Also see Title 15 of the U.S. Code, §1125 continue reading…