This Rolex is currently on display at the Beyer Watch and Clock Museum in Zurich, Switzerland. Its got a lot of history, namely being the first watch ever to reach the top of the world.

Worn by Sir Edmund Hillary on an expedition to Everest, the odd part is that it was never officially owned by him. According to Hodinkee, Rolex was one of the first official sponsors of the 1953 Everest Expedition.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual was only loaned to Hillary, and when he successfully made it to the summit and back, he had to return it.



What was Rolex trying to test? Altitude? Pressure? Either way, we've seen them doing more crazy things like accompanying submarine and deep sea expeditions too.

After remaining in Rolex's possession for decades, the watch has been gifted to Theodore Beyer who put it on display at his museum for the world to see. [Hodinkee Photos by Hodinkee/Stephen J. Pulvirent]