The special Rolex Hillary Tenzing Explorer number 88/88 was sold for $ 104,568 at the Christie's auction at Hotel des Bergues in Geneva. The revenues of the sale will go entirely to the Hillary and Tenzing family foundations.

We were touched by the spirited bidding that led to a strong result for the Hillary Tenzing Explorer set, which soared above everyone's expectations to sell for US$ 104,568, said Aurel Bacs, International Head of Christie's Watch Department. Number 88 of 88 was auctioned by Christie's for the benefit of the Hillary and Tenzing family foundations. Both foundations are committed to improving the lives of Himalayan mountain communities in Nepal by building schools and hospitals.

The Rolex Hillary Tenzing Explorer is a unique tribute to the first successful ascent of Mount Everest - completed by Sir Edmund Percival Hillary and Tenzing Norgay - and homage to the legendary heritage of Rolex. Peter Hillary and Jamling Tenzing Norgay, sons of the famous mountaineers and acclaimed adventurers themselves gave an inspiring lecture in front of an international crowd. According to Bacs, it was the highest audience turn-up of any public speaking event Christie's had ever organised.

Initiator and passionate vintage Rolex collector Philipp Stahl was thrilled with the auction outcome. This is a great achievement for the family foundations. The HTE project has become an expedition on its own. We have come a long way from initial talks with Peter and Jamling, meeting 1953 expedition member George Band in London and Jan Morris in Wales, ploughing through the historical archives of the Royal Geographical Society, visiting the famous Explorer's festival in Poland and admiring Tenzing's unique golden Rolex in the US.

We continue working on the other HTE packages for which we have already received many pre-orders from major Rolex dealer and collectors.

The Hillary Tenzing Explorer limited series is not affiliated with Rolex. The international warranty will go through the HTE watch atelier.

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