Watch built by Loomes of Stamford which reached the summit of Mount Everest set to be auctioned in aid of the Gurkha Welfare Trust

A British-built watch, made by Loomes of Stamford, which reached the summit of Mount Everest on the wrist of a Gurkha will be auctioned off.

The auction starts today (Tuesday, November 6), arranged by Bonhams. The watch is made using only British-made components. One watch was built with a unique dial for the Mountain Trust, which was previously auctioned off in 2017 by Bonhams for £10,000, and this one has a unique dial for the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

The Gurkha 2017 Everest mission was the British Army’s most successful Everest mission, with 13 serving Gurkhas making it to the top and all returning safely. The Loomes Everest watch was worn by Cpl Milan Rai, who amongst other achievements managed to play the bagpipes on Everest.

Managing director of Loomes Robina Hill said: "The Gurkha soldiers have an extraordinary calm and determination which you don’t find in any other British Army regiment. Their modesty afterwards astounded me, simply saying it was good for the watch, because it would raise money for the GWT."

This is the second Everest watch, hand made in Stamford Lincolnshire, to be sold on behalf of Nepalese based Charities. In 2017 an Everest watch was sold at auction, arranged by Bonhams with proceeds going to the Mountain Trust.

Robina said: "We are delighted that our watch will benefit the work of the GWT and are proud to continue our support of the Gurkhas."

The watch goes up for sale via auction on Tuesday, November 6, for a period of 10 days on the following link: www.bonhams.com/auction/25530 Place your bid online.

Jonathan Darracott, Global Head of Watches at Bonhams, commented: ‘We are delighted to be working with such an important charity and to be helping to raise money for such a worthy cause. English watchmaking has long been known for its quality and technical advancement, and this Loomes piece is an excellent example of both. We are proud to be supporting this endeavour.’

Viewing of the watch is by appointment at Bonhams, Montpellier Street, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1HH or call 02073933869