The watch, purchased by the East Anglian owner in 1965, carries the model number 1023420 and the serial number 1029/6636.
It is a rare variant with orange numerals and came with the original box and papers documented its purchase in Amersham on November 5, 1965.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner that sold for £230,000 at Lockdales came with the original box and documents.
Estimated at £7000-8000 at the auction on October 11, it attracted over 100 online bidders and 10 phones but was secured in the room by an Italian buyer who had flown over for the sale.
The owner wishes to remain anonymous, but apparently the watch had once been rescued from a cement mixer when it fell off his wrist. Fortunately, little damage was done.
Part of the appeal of the watch was its excellent original condition.
