In a return to auction for the first time in 25 years, the Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster—among the world’s most famous waterproof wristwatches—will be offered in #SothebysGeneva Important Watches I on 9 November, with an estimate in excess of 1 million CHF ($1.3 million). This historic watch accompanied Mercedes Gleitze, the first British woman to swim the English Channel, on her legendary “Vindication Swim” in 1927, proving the Rolex Oyster’s groundbreaking waterproof design. Gleitze’s feat—more than 10 hours immersed in icy seas—provided Rolex with living proof of its innovation, transforming how the world viewed the wristwatch forever. The Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster not only marked a turning point for Rolex, but also ushered in the birth of modern sports sponsorship, as Gleitze became the brand’s first testimonee, embodying Rolex’s pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence. To many, the genius of Rolex and Hans Wilsdorf has always been marketing. Gleitze and this w...