Rolex: A gentleman's stainless steel automatic calendar dual-time bracelet watch
Model: GMT Master
Reference: 1675
Date: Circa 1972
Movement: 26-jewel Cal.1570 automatic, no.D941078
Dial: black with luminous dot and baton hour markers, 'cyclops' date aperture at 3, centre seconds, luminous Mercedes hands, small red and luminous central 24 hour hand
Case: Brushed and polished tonneau form, rotating 'Pepsi' bezel with 24-hour markers, screw-down back, number 3162682
Strap/Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster link bracelet, ref. 78360
Buckle/Clasp: Signed fold-over clasp ref. 62523H-18 with dive extension
Size: 39mm
Accompaniments: Rolex acrylic service box, original fold-over clasp ref.78360, photostat Rolex advertisement featuring Vital Alsar, and the book 'La Balsa' by Vital Alsar and Enrique Hank Lopez, 1973

The property of Vital Alsar, thence by descent to the vendor.

Born in Santander, Spain, in 1933, Vital Alsar Ramirez studied economics and then began his career working in Europe and Canada. But he was fascinated by early oceanic exploration and was much inspired by Thor Heyerdahl’s 1947 crossing of the Pacific between South America and Polynesia on a primitive raft called the Kon-Tiki. This was intended to demonstrate that ancient civilisations were capable of making long sea voyages successfully. Thus inspired, Vital made a series of Pacific crossings in various craft during the 1960s and 70s.

His first, in 1966, set off from Ecuador using a raft constructed from balsa wood but was shipwrecked after only 90 days. His next attempt in 1970 on a similar raft, called ‘La Balsa’, successfully saw Vital Alsar reach Mooloolaba in Australia after 163 days at sea, having travelled over 8500 nautical miles. He led a further successful mission in 1973, this time on three rafts, and then in 1977 built three small brigs in Guayaquil which he and his crew sailed down the Amazon river and then across the Atlantic to reach Santander, a distance of 11,000 nautical miles.

Alsar’s expeditions attracted not only media attention but interest from the Swiss watchmaker Rolex, who became an unofficial supporter. Vital had worn a Rolex GMT Master on his journey aboard ‘La Balsa’ and the company were delighted to send him replacement watches whenever he needed them. He was even featured prominently in one of their advertising campaigns, such was the interest his maritime journeys had generated. The present lot was worn by Vital in 1977 during his Amazon and Atlantic voyage aboard the three hand-built brigs. The watch was later given as a gift to his brother who handed it down to his daughter, Vital’s niece, Halls' vendor.

The vendor has recently contacted Rolex who have have confirmed that this watch was supplied to Vital Alsar, also sending a copy of their official advertising campaign featuring the explorer.

Condition Report

• Case and back: Micro-abrasions small scratches and tiny dints consistent with age and use. Bezel slightly faded and with a few small scratches.
• Crystal: A few small scratches and abrasions.
• Dial: Good.
• Hands: Good.
• Strap: Links a little stretched, consistent with age and use, and with some scratches and abrasions.
• Movement: Winds, sets and runs. GMT hand out of alignment by one minute division.

Unless otherwise stated, all watches are likely to have been serviced and/or repaired in their lifetime and may have had parts replaced. While a watch may be described as 'working' at the time of the report, they are not guaranteed for timekeeping - it is advised that all watches are inspected and serviced by a qualified jeweller or horologist before full use.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.