Vintage donation brings timely boost for charity

A VINTAGE Rolex Oyster watch handed in to a Scottish charity shop has earned £720 for a leading homelessness organisation.

Shelter Scotland organised a silent auction to sell a 1950s version of the watch famously worn by James Bond in the Ian Fleming novels.

It was snapped up by an anonymous buyer who intends giving it to her husband as a surprise Christmas gift.

The watch, valued at about £1,000 in its current condition, but worth about £7,000 mint, was discovered by staff at the shop in Morningside, Edinburgh, last month. Shelter said 12 bids were received by its deadline.

Shop manager Paul Knowles said: “We’re over the moon that the watch raised so much money and grateful to everyone who made a bid. We’re pleased that the watch is getting a new lease of life and hope the new owner is pleased with his very special Christmas present.

“The money raised is a very welcome Christmas present for Shelter Scotland.”