Rolex
Datejust ‘Khanjar’, Reference 16013 | A yellow gold and stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet | Circa 1986
Auction Closed
May 10, 02:36 PM GMT
Estimate
8,000 - 15,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Dial: champagne with red Khanjar
Calibre: cal. 3035 automatic, 27 jewels
Case: 18k yellow gold and stainless steel, screw-down case back
Case number: 9’340’739
Closure: 18k yellow gold and stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 36 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 200 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: none
Rolex introduced the Datejust in 1945 as the first chronometer water-tight wristwatch with an automatic calendar. The Datejust reference 1601 was introduced in 1959 as a variant of the 1600 with a fluted bezel. Datejust pieces can be found with a myriad of variations. The present example represents the evolution of the 1601, therefore combining the vintage look of the model with more praticality. This reference 16013 has a yellow gold fluted bezel and winding crown and has the same bi-metal combination in the bracelet. Besides these characteristics, what really makes this piece stand out is the presence of the khanjar, Oman’s national symbol on the lower half of the dial.
Commissioned by the Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said of Oman (1940-2020), via London retailer Asprey and primarily intended as diplomatic gifts. Rolex modified the dials to accommodate for the khanjar being placed at 6 o’clock. Such pieces are highly collectible.