Rare Bond Rolex that cost £20 to sell for £150,000

A RARE Rolex watch bought second-hand for just £20 is now tipped to sell for £150,000.

The stainless steel Submariner model – famously worn by film spy James Bond – was bought by the unnamed seller’s father in 1970.

He wanted the watch to use on diving trips but a brand new one was out of reach.

However it is now worth 7,500 times more than he paid.

Recognisable

The Rolex is a Submariner 6538 4 Line series, which was Sean Connery’s timepiece of choice when he played suave Bond on screen.

The watches seldom appear on the open market and attract an army of loyal collectors whenever they do.

It was made by the Swiss company in 1956 and is classified as still being in “perfect original condition”.

The Rolex, which cost around £130 new – £4,500 in today’s money – is going under the hammer at Bonhams, London.

It measures 37mm and has a black face with gold hands with a Mercedes-Benz logo on the hour hand. A spokesman for

Collectors item...the Rolex bought for £20 used in 1970

Bonhams said: “The present owner’s father bought this watch second hand in 1970 for £20 as he could not afford a new watch for diving.

“Little did he realise he was buying into the Submariner legacy and has become one of the touch points for collectors the world over.

“The 6538 was supplied for just four years but it has become one of the best known and sought after of the Submariner models.

“Its general defining features are the over-sized crown, lack of protective crown guards and gilt dial.

“The gilt dial comes with gilt hands which are unusual for a stainless steel case but typical for this date.

“These features mean that it is instantly recognisable and since it became the adopted watch of the James Bond film character played by Sean Connery, rather famous too.”

The sale takes place on August 5, so buyers better be quick as the clock’s ticking...