65
Rolex
Ref. 1675
GMT-Master “U.A.E. Quraysh Hawk"
A very rare, and attractive stainless steel automatic dual-time wristwatch with date and bracelet, made for the UAE Ministry of Defense
- Estimate
- CHF35,000 - 70,000€37,800 - 75,700$42,900 - 85,800
CHF53,340
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1977
- Reference No
- 1675
- Movement No
- D400318
- Case No
- 5'008'498
- Model Name
- GMT-Master “U.A.E. Quraysh Hawk"
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped 78360, end links stamped 580, max length 195mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 78360 and M5
- Dimensions
- 39mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by an additional Rolex blue bezel.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Rolex wristwatches have long been a favorite among Sheikhs, royalty, and military officials in the Middle East. During the 1970s, many ruling parties commissioned Rolex to create custom timepieces featuring their state symbols, names, or emblems. These watches were often presented as gifts to distinguished dignitaries and loyal servants, making them highly coveted and historically significant.
The present stainless steel GMT-Master is an exceedingly rare example, featuring a custom dial adorned with the UAE Quraysh Hawk. Produced upon special request for Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Emir of Dubai, this watch is part of a rare batch of GMT-Masters made between 1971 and 1979 for the UAE Department of Defense. Research suggests these timepieces were likely gifted to helicopter pilots serving in the Ministry of Defense. As the successor to the reference 6542, the reference 1675 introduced notable updates, including a steel bezel insert and crown guards. Early examples featured pointed crown guards and black lacquer dials, while later models, such as this one, were fitted with matte dials, large 24-hour tipped hands, and non-cornino crown guards.
The matte black dial of this example is stamped with the UAE emblem, the Quraysh Hawk, rendered in vibrant polychrome relief. Positioned above 6 o’clock, the emblem replaces the usual "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" text, creating a striking and unique aesthetic. Most notably, this watch features the signature of His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to the right of the hawk, a rare detail that sets it apart from most examples, which bear the Wazarah Ad Difa'A (Ministry of Defense) inscription in Arabic. It is believed that watches bearing the Emir’s signature were reserved for the most prestigious recipients, reflecting a personal connection to His Highness. The steel bezel insert has aged beautifully, with the red portion fading to a rich fuchsia hue that contrasts elegantly with the deep blue. This rare and historically significant GMT-Master is a remarkable opportunity for collectors to acquire a true Rolex masterpiece.
The present stainless steel GMT-Master is an exceedingly rare example, featuring a custom dial adorned with the UAE Quraysh Hawk. Produced upon special request for Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Emir of Dubai, this watch is part of a rare batch of GMT-Masters made between 1971 and 1979 for the UAE Department of Defense. Research suggests these timepieces were likely gifted to helicopter pilots serving in the Ministry of Defense. As the successor to the reference 6542, the reference 1675 introduced notable updates, including a steel bezel insert and crown guards. Early examples featured pointed crown guards and black lacquer dials, while later models, such as this one, were fitted with matte dials, large 24-hour tipped hands, and non-cornino crown guards.
The matte black dial of this example is stamped with the UAE emblem, the Quraysh Hawk, rendered in vibrant polychrome relief. Positioned above 6 o’clock, the emblem replaces the usual "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" text, creating a striking and unique aesthetic. Most notably, this watch features the signature of His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to the right of the hawk, a rare detail that sets it apart from most examples, which bear the Wazarah Ad Difa'A (Ministry of Defense) inscription in Arabic. It is believed that watches bearing the Emir’s signature were reserved for the most prestigious recipients, reflecting a personal connection to His Highness. The steel bezel insert has aged beautifully, with the red portion fading to a rich fuchsia hue that contrasts elegantly with the deep blue. This rare and historically significant GMT-Master is a remarkable opportunity for collectors to acquire a true Rolex masterpiece.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
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