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Lot Essay
Consigned by the family of the original owner, Colonel Fayette Loomis Worthington, United States Military Academy, West Point, Class of 1945. During his distinguished career in the Corps of Engineers, Colonel Worthington was the recipient of four Legion of Merits. In 1956, at the age of thirty-three, then Capt. Worthington purchased his Rolex in New York City. This superb and very rare 'Red Depth' Explorer timepiece was worn throughout Colonel Worthington's service. Accompanied by its original Guarantee, COSC paperwork, sales tag, receipts, and service invoices, this timepiece 'checks all of the boxes' for the astute collector of exceptional and rare vintage Rolex watches.
Colonel Fayette Loomis Worthington
Born in 1923 in Oklahoma, Fayette Worthington followed his family’s tradition of military service. His grandfather, Samuel served in the Civil War with the Union forces from age 16-19. His father, Colonel Josiah Wistar Worthingon, US Veterinary Corps, was with General Wainwright at the fall of Corrigador in 1942. Josiah survived three and a half years as a POW while Fayette attended USMA.
Colonel Fayette L. Worthington’s assignments included duty in France, Manila, West Point, two tours in Vietnam, Group Commander of the 555th in Germany, and an Army General Staff Officer at the Pentagon.
In retirement, Fayette was fond of pointing out that his precision, steadfast Rolex, which had served him throughout the world, now 'explored' with him in his pursuits of salmon fishing, skeet shooting, and woodworking.
Reference 6610
Launched in 1955 and quickly discontinued in 1959, the Rolex Explorer reference 6610 was the third model from the Explorer family and features the iconic black gilt 3-6-9 dial. In this particular example, it is one of the rarest and most sought-after Explorer models of all time as it features a 'Red Depth' script reading '50 m = 100 ft' below the golden gilt 'Explorer' text. The luminous material has turned to an attractive orange custard color which wonderfully complements the gilt text, chapter ring, and hands. Interestingly and according to the sales receipt from 1956, this watch was originally sold on a leather strap in which the original owner purchased a Rolex Oyster 'expanding' rivet bracelet months later in 1957. Accompanied with a plethora of paperwork including original receipts, invoices, service paperwork, guarantees, and certificates, this timepiece is a supremely scarce opportunity to own a fresh to market and well-preserved example of Rolex history.
Colonel Fayette Loomis Worthington
Born in 1923 in Oklahoma, Fayette Worthington followed his family’s tradition of military service. His grandfather, Samuel served in the Civil War with the Union forces from age 16-19. His father, Colonel Josiah Wistar Worthingon, US Veterinary Corps, was with General Wainwright at the fall of Corrigador in 1942. Josiah survived three and a half years as a POW while Fayette attended USMA.
Colonel Fayette L. Worthington’s assignments included duty in France, Manila, West Point, two tours in Vietnam, Group Commander of the 555th in Germany, and an Army General Staff Officer at the Pentagon.
In retirement, Fayette was fond of pointing out that his precision, steadfast Rolex, which had served him throughout the world, now 'explored' with him in his pursuits of salmon fishing, skeet shooting, and woodworking.
Reference 6610
Launched in 1955 and quickly discontinued in 1959, the Rolex Explorer reference 6610 was the third model from the Explorer family and features the iconic black gilt 3-6-9 dial. In this particular example, it is one of the rarest and most sought-after Explorer models of all time as it features a 'Red Depth' script reading '50 m = 100 ft' below the golden gilt 'Explorer' text. The luminous material has turned to an attractive orange custard color which wonderfully complements the gilt text, chapter ring, and hands. Interestingly and according to the sales receipt from 1956, this watch was originally sold on a leather strap in which the original owner purchased a Rolex Oyster 'expanding' rivet bracelet months later in 1957. Accompanied with a plethora of paperwork including original receipts, invoices, service paperwork, guarantees, and certificates, this timepiece is a supremely scarce opportunity to own a fresh to market and well-preserved example of Rolex history.