This is a unique opportunity for collectors of Bond memorabilia and vintage watches. Seemingly lost forever after the shooting of ‘Thunderball’, the actual Breitling Top Time worn by Sean Connery in the 1965 film has been discovered at a car boot sale and will be offered by Christie’s at its 26 June London sale.
It might sound an incredible story, but it’s true. A few years ago someone bought a strapless, rather tired vintage Breitling, a ‘Top Time’ model, for just £25.00. This could well be the best £25.00 ever spent, as the timepiece turned out to be the first watch modified by MI6’s Q Department (for the film, that is, we’re sorry to tell you that James Bond does not really exist) and it featured a Geiger counter. It now carries an estimate of £40,000 to £60,000.
| Related Links You can view all lots from the Christie's 26 June, London South Kensington Pop Culture sale at www.christies.com |
Text: J. Philip Rathgen (Classic Driver)
Photos: Christie's / United Artists All Stars
