Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1978
    Reference No: 6265
    Movement No: 1'274
    Case No: 5'060'075
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold riveted Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 71, max length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Proudly exalted in the upper centre of the dial of this 18 karat yellow gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is a black “Khanjar” - Oman’s national emblem, composed of a dagger in sheath superimposed upon two crossed swords. Such time-keepers were made on commission for the Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said.

    Presented as gifts to foreign dignitaries, closest officials and, as in this example, loyal staff, many of the “Khanjar” marked watches are cherished by their original owners and passed from one generation to the next.

    We are proud to offer, on behalf of the family of the Omani Royal Yacht Squadron’s former captain, a unique lot composed of a yellow gold Rolex 6265 and a yellow gold and diamond Corum Admiral’s Cup. Following a highly distinguished career in the British Royal Navy, the owner of this watch left for Oman in the 1970s to assume command of His Majesty’s Royal Yacht Squadron, a position he held for more than a decade. During his time in Oman, the Captain and the Sultan formed an excellent relationship, sharing a passion for opera. This new career gave the opportunity to the Captain to settle and spend many memorable years in Oman with his wife.

    This watch is a fresh to market, highly original example of a desirable yellow gold Ref.6265. A timepiece of such originality combined with a very personal history makes it a potential jewel in any collection, especially of vintage Daytonas. It was gifted by His Majesty the Sultan of Oman as a mark of gratitude for the Captain’s service. The timepiece has been cherished and was worn only on special occasions, such as the original owner’s 50th wedding anniversary.

    The “Khanjar” mark supplants the traditional “4-Lines” found under the 12 o’clock marker, leaving the famous crown logo alone on top of the Omani mark. The black colour of the emblazoned symbol perfectly complements the sporty yet elegant black sub-dials, making the bicoloured champagne and black dial stand out even more. At the dial’s bottom, towards the 6 o’clock mark, the desirable sigma designations flanking the “T SWISS T” (tritium Lumes) are found, signifying the use of gold for the hour markers. The case is found in wonderful condition with strong lugs and crisp proportions, demonstrating how rarely the watch has been worn.

    Their royal provenance, condition, history, and originality make these timepieces a truly unique opportunity.

    Please note that photos and elements from captain's uniform pictured here are for display only and not part of the lot.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded 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.

    View More Works

103

Ref. 6265
An extremely rare and attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch "Khanjar" dial and bracelet, made for the Sultanate of Oman accompanied by a gold and diamond set Corum

Circa 1978
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF250,000 - 450,000 
€223,000-401,000
$252,000-453,000

Sold for CHF312,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019