A Rolex Oyster Perpetual stainless steel automatic centre seconds tonneau form wristwatch, 1947, formerly the property of 1948 Alpine Rally HRG Works Driver Robin Richards,

Ref:2940, Case No.527927, 32mm. Movement No.58615, the Arabic dial with outer minute track and tapering hands, with screw-down winding crown, screw-on rear cover on a black leather strap with buckle, the case, dial and movement signed, offered together with Rolex Certificate, dated 25th September 1947, Guarantee, various related correspondence 1948 to mid-1950s between Richards and Rolex of Geneva including letterheads, and other ephemera relating to the acquisition of the watch.

This watch is one of three similar watches, originally requested by Robin Richards for loan by Rolex of Geneva, to be used by Richards, his co-drivers and navigator John Beaumont, as accurate and reliable time-pieces during the demanding conditions at the Rally Internationale Coupe des Alpes, 13-18th July 1948.

Due to be collected in Marseilles by Richards in early July, a Swiss-French border Customs strike prevented the timepieces from being delivered to Marseilles in time for them to be available for the event, leaving Richards having to borrow a 1939 Rolex Oyster wristwatch from a friend, which he eventually used during the race.

Robin Richards, driving the 1,100cc 2-seater HRG, Registration Number KJG 80, with navigator Beaumont, went on to win one of the eight Coupe des Alpes trophies in the class event, with the HRG team winning the manufacturers prize.

After the event Richards wrote to Rolex of Geneva, extolling the virtues of his friend's Rolex timepiece he had used during the race, and Rolex, in exchange for the publicity generated by Richard's praiseworthy recommendation of the watch, agreed to gift the three Rolex Oyster watches, originally intended for race-use, to Richards and his teammates.

Robin Richards competed in various sprints, hill-climbs, rallies and other race events from 1947-1950, including a 2nd place with Eric Thompson in the BRDC team in the 12-Hour race at Montlhery and 4th at the 1949 Monte Carlo rally, also qualifying as a member of the BRDC. From 1950 until 1975, Richards became more publically known as a professional motorsport commentator for the BBC enthusiastically covering various race and rally events.

The movement currently in functioning order at the time of cataloguing, but may require an overhaul, this watch is offered with the aforementioned letters and related correspondence, including Rolex documentation relating to a minor repair and service in 1955. Also included with the lot is Robin Richards' 1951 BARC BBC armband, a red leather 1974 International Racing Press Association with photo ID, a 1971 FIA plastic identity card and two photographs, one of Richards with his 1948 Coupe de Alpes HRG, and another of Richards with friends and associates at a 1961 dinner event.
(Qty)