President's Watches: Fundraiser at Government House, Sydney May 16.

Yesterday, an email invitation was received from the good Rotarians.

On May 16, Sydney Rotary club is organizing a Gala Reception and Fundraiser at Government House, Sydney. The aim is to raise funds for the Health Fund Timor Leste.

On the night, amongst other items, three wrist watches owned by Dr Jose Ramos-Horta will be put up for auction.

The Ex-President and Nobel Prize winner's watches are not something that appear on the open market every day, so this is a very unique opportunity to not only acquire a valuable timepiece but to be a part of benevolent action.

The watches are: a Patek Philippe 5196G, Corum 973.251.20 and IWC Portugueser signed "E&FF TO NOBEL PEACE PRIZE J RAMOS HORTA" . The Patek and Corum are brand new watches and the IWC has actually been worn by Dr Ramos-Horta and recently completely overhauled by IWC.

Should you wish to attend and bid, please contact Tony Benner on 0407 366 140. Or book online at www.trybooking.com/CNQT

The cost is $200 per person, of which $150 is tax deductible donation. RSVP by May 10.

Now, this invitation was a personal one, but in my wisdom I quickly promised to the Rotary club that I will share it with you too. Which still does not give you the right to bid against me on the 16th!

Of course, I won't disclose which watch is on top of my list, that would be too much of a help ;-)

However if you would like to see a set of photos then do email me. I have also suggested to the auctioneer that it would be a good idea to accept bids in writing, submitted prior to auction which would attract interstate bidders. What do you think? Interested?

See you at auction!