George Mallory was a pioneering British mountaineer who became famous for his numerous expeditions to Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Born on June 18, 1886, Mallory developed a passion for mountaineering at a young age and dedicated his life to pushing the boundaries of human achievement in the Himalayas.
Mallory’s most significant and enduring legacy lies in his attempts to reach the summit of Mount Everest, particularly the 1924 British Everest Expedition. During this expedition, Mallory and his climbing partner, Andrew Irvine, made a daring bid for the summit. On June 8, 1924, the pair set off from their high camp and were spotted by their teammates only a short distance from the summit. However, they were swallowed by clouds, and that was the last time they were seen alive.
Mallory’s fascination with the mountain extended beyond his quest for conquest. He was known for his eloquent and poetic musings on the allure of Everest. When asked about why he wanted to climb the mountain, Mallory famously replied, “Because it’s there.” This simple phrase encapsulated the spirit of adventure and the innate human desire to explore the unknown.
The mystery surrounding Mallory’s fate persisted for decades. In 1999, an expedition discovered Mallory’s body on the mountain, offering new clues but no definitive answers about whether he and Irvine had reached the summit before their tragic end.
One of the enduring symbols of Mallory’s Everest expedition is his watch. It was a fantastic quality Borgel wristwatch and a poignant reminder of the daring spirit and the timeless quest for human achievement that Mallory embodied. Today, the watch is held in high regard by mountaineering enthusiasts and historians alike, serving as a testament to the indomitable spirit of exploration.
Indeed, many take their passion to the next level and look to create a replica of the Mallory watch. Our client was in a position to do this, though the watch needed extensive restoration to get it to full working order. We needed to fit a replacement dial and fully service and restore the movement. We were able to re-use the existing hands, as well as clean up the case.
Once the work was complete our client was thrilled with the results. The period Borgel case looks stunning, as does the dial, and the Fontainemelon movement is back to excellent working order. It’s a wonderful tribute to a true pioneer of mountaineering and an icon of British endeavour and adventurous spirit.
Yours sincerely
David Clark FGA DGA MJVA PJDip. PJGemDip.
Managing Director, JVA Registered Valuer®
W.E. Clark & Son Limited
