Rolex

Omani Signed Rolexes have in the last few years become a favorite for collectors. The watches are signed with a khanjar, the national symbol of Oman, and were initially commissioned by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, through the Bond street dealer of Rolex, Asprey, but were also produced by a couple of other middle eastern retailers.

The first of these watches came about after his education at the military academy, Sandhurst, when the young Qaboos had, through a mutual friend met John Asprey, heir to the jeweler, watch dealer and silversmith. It was with Asprey’s help he was able to negotiate these commissions with Rolex. Most of these watches were produced in bulk orders as gifts to visiting dignitaries and friends of the state.

Another known to alter dials and cases with the Khanjar is Khimji Ramdas, the Omani retailer of Rolex and Cartier. Through Ramdas, Sultan Qaboos also commissioned a number of watches to be stamped and signed with the coat of arms.

The present lot is one of 5 estimated pieces produced as special orders for Sultan Qaboos in 1984 by Ramdas. Presented in 18k white gold, with a pavé diamond dial and rainbow set, coloured sapphires around the bezel with matching hour indexes, with the national symbol of Oman engraved on the reverse. Of the 3 known, this is the first to be publicly offered for sale at auction and aside from its extreme rarity offers the opportunity to own a vintage Rolex in excellent new old stock condition with original box and papers stamped with an Omani Rolex distribution code.

The piece comes to us from the original owners, whom the item was personally gifted to by Sultan Qaboos. Given its huge presence on the wrist the watch was stored in a safe and never worn. Beneath the crown a dark oxidization can be seen, common in pieces stowed in a safe for long periods.

Finding a piece such as this on its own is a rarity; but coming across one -in what is essentially new old stock condition, is near impossible. As the first to be offered for public sale and likely the only one in such excellent condition, this is a watch that can be appreciated by any serious Rolex collector as a centerpiece of their collection.