Sheila Scott’s Record-Setting Rolex GMT-Master Heads to Auction
The watch world turns its gaze towards London this spring, as a truly exceptional watch prepares to cross the auction block. On April 24th, 2025, Spink Auction House will offer the very Rolex GMT-Master “Pepsi,” Reference 1675, worn by the legendary British aviator Sheila Scott during her pioneering solo flights. This isn’t merely a vintage watch; it’s a tangible piece of aviation history, its estimated value of £20,000-30,000 reflecting a legacy forged in the skies.
My own fascination with this watch began years ago, sparked by a vintage Rolex advertisement featuring Sheila Scott. The image captured her trailblazing spirit, perfectly aligned with the robust, globe-trotting functionality of the fake Rolex GMT-Master. What struck me profoundly was the rarity of such a sports watch being marketed to women in the 1960s. Scott herself lauded it as “a marvelous watch,” a sentiment that resonated deeply. Yet, the ad left a crucial question unanswered: how did the watch look on her wrist? That curiosity ignited a search, culminating in the discovery of a remarkable photograph – Scott, radiating cool confidence, the distinct red-and-blue bezel of her Rolex GMT-Master clearly visible on the same original alligator strap it still bears today. That image solidified the connection between the woman and her instrument.
The Woman Who Wore It: Sheila Scott OBE
To understand the profound significance of this watch, one must appreciate the extraordinary woman who relied upon it. Sheila Christine Scott OBE (1922-1988) was a force of nature. Rising above a difficult childhood and an early career in acting, she discovered her true passion at 36 when she learned to fly. Aviation became her calling, and she pursued it with relentless determination, shattering gender barriers and accumulating over 100 world records.
Her landmark achievements are staggering:
1966 Solo Circumnavigation: Scott became the first British woman to fly solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft. Over 34 grueling days and 189 flying hours, she covered 31,000 miles (49,890 km), setting a new world record for the longest solo flight. Throughout this marathon journey, her Rolex GMT-Master was a constant companion. Its dual-time functionality proved indispensable as she navigated multiple time zones, a fact witnessed in period footage showing the watch clearly on her wrist as she prepared for takeoff in her Piper Comanche 260.
Conquering the North Pole (1971): In another breathtaking feat of courage and skill, Scott became the first person to fly solo over the North Pole in a light aircraft. This “world and a half” journey, spanning 34,000 miles (55,000 km), cemented her status as a global pioneer and marked her as the first European woman to complete a solo circumnavigation.
Prolific Record Breaker: Her prowess was undeniable. In 1967 alone, she set 23 world records, earning the prestigious Harmon International Aviation Trophy. Her trophy cabinet also included the Brabazon of Tara Award (1965, 1967, 1968), the Britannia Trophy (1968), and the Royal Aero Club Gold Medal (1971). Her contributions were formally recognized in 1968 when she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Cultural Echoes
Scott’s influence transcended the technical world of aviation records, seeping into popular culture. An intriguing, though not definitively proven, theory suggests her remarkable life may have inspired Ian Fleming’s character Pussy Galore, the formidable female pilot in the James Bond novel and film Goldfinger (1964). The parallels are undeniably compelling: both women embodied a bold, fiercely independent spirit, masters of the skies. Visually, the resemblance is striking – Scott’s signature voluminous hairstyle echoed Honor Blackman’s iconic look as Pussy Galore, and their shared preference for practical yet stylish, tailored clothing spoke of women perfectly at home in the cockpit.
Adding a fascinating layer to this connection is the detail that Pussy Galore herself wore a Rolex GMT-Master in Goldfinger. Whether Fleming drew direct inspiration from Sheila Scott remains part of cinematic lore, but the association undeniably adds a touch of glamorous intrigue to Scott’s legacy, blending real-world heroism with the allure of 007. Blackman’s portrayal remains iconic, and the mere possibility that Scott’s groundbreaking career shaped such a character enhances her enduring cultural resonance.
A Relic of Endurance
The replica Rolex GMT-Master Reference 1675, affectionately known as the “Pepsi” for its distinctive red and blue 24-hour bezel, was purpose-built for pilots navigating the globe. Its ability to track a second time zone simultaneously made it the ideal companion for Sheila Scott‘s epic journeys. This specific watch, still fitted with its original, period-correct alligator strap, accompanied her on the 1966 solo world flight and very likely on the daring 1971 North Pole expedition. It is far more than a timekeeping device; it is a relic of extraordinary human endurance and achievement. Its appearance in that vintage Rolex ad further cemented its status, visually linking the watch to Scott’s pioneering role in a field dominated by men.
The upcoming Spink auction presents a rare convergence of horological significance and historical provenance. Offered alongside personal items and archives from Scott’s estate, this GMT-Master comes with impeccable lineage, having been sold once before at Phillips in 1989. Its story is powerfully underscored by Scott’s own documented praise for its reliability during her demanding flights.
This auction transcends commerce. It is a celebration of Sheila Scott’s indomitable spirit, her relentless pursuit of the impossible, and her tangible contribution to aviation history. For collectors, it represents an unparalleled chance to acquire a fake Rolex icon with a direct, documented link to one of the twentieth century’s most remarkable aviators. Whether drawn by the allure of vintage Rolex, the history of flight, or simply an inspiring tale of human triumph, Sheila Scott’s Pepsi GMT-Master stands as a potent symbol. It reminds us of what can be achieved when precision engineering meets unparalleled courage. Witness this piece of history at Spink Auction House in London on April 24, 2025.
Category: promotional