The Great Escape and a Hero's watch
Below is a brief history of a unique Rolex with reference 3525. Also named the PoW.
Picture this: Sergeant Anthony O'Brien, a British Army SAS member, found himself captured in the unforgiving theater of North Africa during World War II. But this soldier was no ordinary captive. He had a cunning plan to avoid the executioner's axe – he posed as a Royal Air Force pilot. This clever ruse led him straight into the clutches of the infamous Stalag Luft III Prisoner of War camp, a place known for its inescapable reputation.
Within those barbed wire confines, O'Brien became a part of a daring underground mission known as 'Tally Ho.' Their objective? To tunnel their way to freedom and liberate their fellow prisoners. It's the kind of inspirational tale that Hollywood couldn't resist, and in 1963, Steve McQueen immortalized it in the classic film 'The Great Escape.'
But there's more to this story, something that adds a touch of Rolex mystique. Reference 3525, the watch in question, was supplied to these brave PoWs free of charge by none other than Hans Wilsdorf, the visionary founder of Rolex. There was a condition, though – payment would only be due if and when the Allies emerged victorious from the horrors of war.
Sergeant O'Brien, after surviving the tumultuous war years, eventually acquired this very timepiece in 1946 in Nairobi from Dobbies Limited. And what makes this watch truly exceptional is its dial, a rare gem double-signed just above the 12 o'clock marker.
A close-up of this 3525 dial (above) shows the Telemeter feature used during WWII.
We relished the opportunity to dive into the history of this Pre-Daytona with its original dial, hands, and an incredible provenance that could rival any wartime thriller. However, we must disclose that this timepiece belongs to a private collector and is not up for sale. If you're hungry for more details about Sergeant Anthony O'Brien, his remarkable journey, and this remarkable Rolex, I recommend delving into a forum discussion led by his grandson here – a living testament to a hero's legacy.
Vision
Sgt. Anthony O'Brien (top left) was also said to be in a bar shootout, and with movie references to his heroic tale, we thought we should add in the best bar shootout scene of all time for good measure and with complete respect.