On December 6, 2024, Sotheby’s New York will host an auction spotlighting two historically significant Rolex Submariner watches, both worn during pivotal dives to the wreckage of the R.M.S. Titanic. These pieces, hailing from the personal collection of Emmy-winning underwater cinematographer Alfred “Al” Giddings, carry profound historical and cinematic legacies. Giddings, renowned for his work on James Cameron’s Titanic, contributed significantly to underwater cinematography, with these watches accompanying him on several notable underwater expeditions.
The Legacy of Al Giddings and His Rolex Submariners
Al Giddings, with over fifty years in underwater cinematography, is a pioneering figure whose career includes high-profile projects like The Abyss and the James Bond films For Your Eyes Only and Never Say Never Again. An early adopter of underwater technology, Giddings brought innovations to deep-sea filming, notably on the Titanic wreckage and various underwater film projects.
Now, two Rolex Submariners from Giddings’ collection — a stainless steel 1680 model and a gold 1680/8 model — will be available for the first time in a Sotheby’s auction, highlighting the historical connection between these watches and their wearer’s groundbreaking achievements in underwater exploration and cinematography.
Rolex Reference 1680: The Stainless Steel Submariner
The stainless steel Submariner, a reference 1680 model dating back to the 1970s, is an iconic piece of diving history. Valued between $20,000 and $40,000, it features the classic design that solidified Rolex’s reputation in waterproof watchmaking. This watch accompanied Giddings on more than a dozen dives to the Titanic and on expeditions to locations such as the Andrea Doria, Truk Lagoon, and the North Pole. Known for its durability, Giddings described the watch as performing “flawlessly” across diverse environments, making it a historical artifact tied to groundbreaking underwater exploration.
The Gold Submariner Reference 1680/8: A Piece of Cinematic History
The second watch, a gold Rolex Submariner 1680/8, carries an estimated value of $30,000 to $60,000. This piece has cinematic significance, as it was worn by actor Bill Paxton in Titanic (1997) during scenes with Giddings himself. Originally gifted to Giddings by Rolex’s T. Walker Lloyd in the 1980s, this watch later appeared in Titanic, symbolizing a rare crossover between real-life exploration and Hollywood cinema.
A Unique Opportunity for Collectors and Enthusiasts
Geoff Hess, Sotheby’s Global Head of Watches, highlighted the exceptional nature of these pieces: “For fifty years, these watches have journeyed with [Giddings] across the globe… If there exists a maritime counterpart to a watch that has journeyed to the moon, these are it.”
The auction presents a unique chance for collectors to own watches tied to the rich history of underwater exploration and the legacy of a filmmaker whose work has influenced generations. Both watches will be displayed at Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries starting on December 5, 2024.
For more information, visit Sotheby’s official site.
