Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR Hong Kong Monday, May 29, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1977
    Reference No: 1665
    Case No: 5'067'139
    Model Name: SeaDweller
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 93150, 190 mm. maximum length
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex twinlock folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39.5 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With a copy of the original purchase receipt dated 1999 for the purchase of 5,900 pounds and a copy of letter from Rolex Geneva dated 1999 confirming the manufacture and dial in 1977 and its sale to Khimji Ramdas in Oman. Furthermore with Rolex service receipt from Rolex London.
    Literature: For another very similar example of a ‘Golden Khanjar’, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pages 220 and 221.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Watches fitted with custom Middle East dials were often presented as gifts to ambassadors, dignitaries, or staff, as a token of gratitude or respect. It was an honor to be presented a Rolex watch with the state symbol. In fact, many of these watches are cherished by their original owners, and passed down from one generation to the next. As a result, Rolex watches with custom dials hardly appear on the market.

    Of all Omani stamped watches, the 'Golden Khanjar' SeaDweller is one of the rarest Rolex models ordered that His Majesty the Sultan of Oman ordered. All known examples fall within a 5.0 to 5.3 million serial range, evidence that the SeaDwellers were ordered for a specific, intentional purpose. Highlighting its rarity is the fact that less than a handful of examples have surfaced the market thus far.

    This particular examples is preserved in excellent condition. Retaining all original bevels, the gold Khanjar symbol exhibits stunning tones. The case back is repeated with the serial number which is correct, and an important feature.

  • 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

1105

Ref. 1665
An extremely fine and rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date, gas escape valve and bracelet, made for the Sultanate of Oman

Circa 1977
39.5 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$2,200,000 - 4,000,000 
€265,000-482,000
$280,000-500,000

Sold for HK$2,720,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR

Hong Kong Auction 30 May 2017