Every time an important watch appears at auction, the excitement it ignites is a spectacle that drives the world of watch collecting into a new era. An ultra-rare piece like the present lot offers a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity to witness the remarkable intersection of vintage Rolex and royalty. The manual-wound Daytona has primarily been seen in stainless steel, with only a limited number produced in 18k or 14k yellow gold. Despite the reference 6265 and 6263 being in production for nearly two decades from circa 1971, only approximately 2,000 pieces were cased in gold. Gold versions also feature an engraved movement number on the plate behind the balance wheel, likely related to the officially certified chronometer movement for these gold pieces. During this period, Rolex modified the dial layout exclusively for gold versions, incorporating the "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" designation.
However, it does not take an expert's eye to notice the glorious red “Khanjar” at 12 o’clock, which truly stands out and replaced the "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" designation. The Khanjar represents the national emblem of Oman, featuring a traditional dagger used for ceremonial occasions. Its presence on a watch signifies a significant object of royal provenance. Introduced by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said upon the country’s founding in 1970, the Khanjar has become a coveted symbol at the intersection of Middle Eastern royalty, rarity, and exclusivity. This emblem captivates watch collectors worldwide, tracing its origins to Oman’s formative days as a modern nation and epitomizing the country's cultured influence in the 20th century. Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, Oman’s longest-reigning monarch, was central to these meaningful ties with the finest Swiss manufacturers during this era.
First making its auction debut at Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: Three in May 2016, this watch has remained untouched in a private collection since then. We are now extremely delighted and honored to be entrusted once again with this distinguished timepiece. In absolutely pristine condition, the case and caseback display all their crisp edges and factory-finished surfaces, with thick, well-defined lugs. The dial is equally well-preserved, exhibiting an attractive patina at the sub-registers, consistent with other known black dial gold 6265 models featuring the red “Khanjar”. Fitted with original and correct pushers and “71” endlinks, with pleasing oxidation visible on some bracelet links, this watch appears rarely worn and likely never polished.
RED “KHANJAR”
Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said was one of the world’s most prolific collectors and commissioners of watches, taking great pleasure in this aspect of his life. Beautiful watches, particularly those by Rolex, were his favorite gifts for businessmen, military officials, and others deemed deserving of recognition by the Sultanate of Oman. Since the early 1970s, Qaboos commissioned timepieces adorned with the Oman emblem, choosing the colors red, green, and white, which he selected for the country’s new flag upon ascending the throne. The red color symbolizes the battles fought by Omanis to evict foreign invaders from their land. Some of these timepieces were presented to British military SAS troops who served in Oman during the Dhofar Rebellion from 1970 to 1976.
With these special commissions, retailers received two types of dials from Rolex: modified and unmodified. The former are significantly rarer, found in earlier examples before circa 1978. These dials were altered by moving the "Rolex Oyster" at 12 o'clock or entirely removing it to create additional space for the Khanjar signature, reflecting the Sultan's influence at the time. In later produced Daytona examples, the retailer would simply apply the additional symbol at 6 o’clock to an unmodified dial.
Known Ref. 6265 Examples with Black Dial and Red Khanjar at 12 o’clock in Yellow Gold:
Case No. 3’751’988, circa 1974
Case No. 3’752’008, circa 1974
Case No. 3'752'011, circa 1974 – Present Lot
Circa 1974 – In a private collection
It is worth noting that all 4 known examples feature the sigma symbol at 6 o’clock, indicating the use of precious metal on the dial, and the special Asprey engraving on the caseback. As there were no authorized retailers in Oman at the time, nearly all watches commissioned by the Sultan were ordered and sold through the pre-eminent House of Asprey in London. The relationship between Qaboos and Asprey originated from his early 20s when he attended school in England, forging a formative friendship with Tim Landon, who facilitated the Sultan's ties with John Asprey of the luxury emporium. Asprey proved instrumental in fulfilling the Sultan's wishes for double-signed watches, managing orders between Middle Eastern royalty and top Swiss brands like Patek Philippe and Rolex.
Interestingly, a small hole on the outer caseback near the "teeth" is consistent with Rolex’s engraved casebacks, used to secure the caseback during the engraving process. To complete the full picture, the inner caseback is engraved with the same serial number as stamped between the lugs, confirming its special order status by Rolex.
In absolute beautiful condition, its royal provenance and superb rarity make it one of the most exciting and important Rolex holy grails to appear at auction in recent years.
