Rolex Hillary Tenzing Explorer Charity Edition Sold for $ 104,568
MAASTRICHT, The Netherlands, May 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The special Rolex Hillary Tenzing Explorer number 88/88 was sold for $ 104,568 at the Christie's auction at Hotel des Bergues in Geneva. The revenues of the sale will go entirely to the Hillary and Tenzing family foundations.
Popular bid
The auctioned lot was in high demand, says Aurel Bacs, International Head of Christie's Watch Department: "We were touched by the spirited bidding that led to a strong result forthe Hillary Tenzing Explorer set, which soared above everyone's expectations to sell for US$ 104,568." Number 88 of 88 was auctioned by Christie's for the benefit of the Hillary and Tenzing family foundations. Both foundations are committed to improving the lives of Himalayan mountain communities in Nepal by building schools and hospitals.
Sons of Everest lecture
Previous to the auction, Peter Hillary and Jamling Tenzing Norgay, sons of the famous mountaineers and acclaimed adventurers themselves gave an inspiring lecture in front of an international crowd. According to Bacs, it was the highest audience turn-up of any public speaking event Christie's had ever organised.
Expedition goes on
Initiator and passionate vintage Rolex collector Philipp Stahl was thrilled with the auction outcome. "This is a great achievement for the family foundations. The THE project has become an expedition on its own. We have come a long way from initial talks with Peter and Jamling, meeting 1953 expedition member George Band in London and Jan Morris in Wales, ploughing through the historical archives of the Royal Geographical Society, visiting the famous Explorer's festival in Poland and admiring Tenzing's unique golden Rolex in the US.
We continue working on the other HTE packages for which we have already received many pre-orders from major Rolex dealer and collectors."
About Hillary Tenzing Explorer
The Rolex Hillary Tenzing Explorer is a unique tribute to the first successful ascent of Mount Everest and homage to the legendary heritage of Rolex. The limited HTE series has been created in close cooperation with Peter Hillary and Jamling Tenzing Norgay and consists of 3 customised Rolex Explorer watches and several custom-made vintage items commemorating the successful 1953 Everest ascent.
The Hillary Tenzing Explorer limited series is not affiliated with Rolex. The international warranty will go through the HTE watch atelier.
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