Not all Rolex Submariners are created equal. Fans of Titanic—the hit movie or the ship itself—would certainly consider two Submariners in Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale extra special. They have been owned by award-winning cinematographer Al Giddings, who was a coproducer of Titanic, and one watch even made a cameo in James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster.
Giddings’ two Rolexes in Sotheby’s Dec. 6 sale are a gold Submariner ref. 1680/8, which was seen on the wrist of actor Bill Paxton in Titanic and is estimated to sell for between $30,000 and $60,000, and a stainless steel Submariner Red, with an estimate of $20,000–$40,000. The latter has been on more than a dozen dives to the Titanic site, among many other deep-sea explorations, Sotheby’s said.
“If there exists a maritime counterpart to a watch that has journeyed to the moon, these are it,” said Geoff Hess, Sotheby’s global head of watches, in a statement. “It is a privilege to present these remarkable treasures to the market for the first time, destined to captivate those who share a passion for history, adventure, and exploration.”
As director of underwater photography for the Titanic movie, Giddings helped capture haunting images of the actual ship’s wreckage and create realistic underwater scenes. He has also worked on several Titanic-related documentaries as well as other Hollywood movies with underwater scenes, including The Abyss, The Deep, and the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only.
A pioneer in underwater filmmaking and four-time Emmy winner, Giddings codirected IMAX’s The Living Sea. His innovative filming methods and passion for ocean exploration have elevated underwater cinematography, making it more accessible and awe-inspiring for global audiences.
“Al Giddings has lived an extraordinary life, brimming with experiences that only the most intrepid adventurers could dream of,” said Hess. “For 50 years, these watches have journeyed with him across the globe, from the icy realms of the North Pole to the profound depths of the ocean. No other timepieces boast such extensive underwater exposure, particularly the steel model, which has accumulated tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of hours beneath the waves.”
Top: Al Giddings during a mission to Titanic, wearing his Rolex Submariner Red (photos courtesy of Sotheby’s)
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