Two striking elements immediately define the present lot. The UAE Quraysh Hawk showing it was made upon special request for Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Emir of Dubai and the visually arresting brown dial that has turned a degradé shade of metallic orange.

The GMT Master was created by Rolex in the second half of the 1950s in collaboration with Pan Am and issued by the airline to its crews on long-haul flights enabling them to read a second time zone on their timepiece.

The present example from the late 1970s distinguishes itself from its original version with a number of improvements, notably the crown guards and the quick-date set mechanism.

Stamped on the dial, the UAE emblem, or the Quraysh Hawk, is rendered in polychrome relief. Emblazoned above 6 o’clock, the symbol is situated where the "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" text should be. The polychrome tones are vibrant and eye catching in a way that only genuine Rolex stamps can be. Most interestingly, this example features the signature of His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to the right of the eagle. In contrast, most examples feature the Wazarah Ad Difa'A department in Arabic, making this watch a particularly rare variant. Some hypothesize that the Emir's signature signifies high Highness' personal connection with the watch. It is entirely possible that these Emir-signed watches were given in the most prestigious of circumstances.

The present lot in steel and gold attire complemented with a fascinating metallic orange dial and caramel and chocolate bezel (also called root beer bezel by collectors) is not only in excellent condition but its exuberance and rarity make it a must have for the savvy collector.