ROLEX | GMT-MASTER, REFERENCE 1675 A STAINLESS STEEL DUAL TIME WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET MADE FOR SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM, CIRCA 1978

Dial: black matte Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels Movement number: D476513 Case: stainless steel, screw-down case backCase number: 5'420'219Closure: stainless steel Rolex bracelet and folding clasp Size: 39 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 195 mm Signed: case, dial and movement

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The date function is working properly. The dial is in excellent overall condition with Arabic personalization to the dial above the text at 6 o'clock. The lumes and hands all aged consistently.The crystal with minor wear and is chipped at 6 o'clock. The case is in a very strong overall condition with minor surface wear throughout. Underneath the lugs with minor wear from removing the bracelet. The bracelet is in very good overall condition with minor wear to the folding clasp and in between the links. The end links are stamped " 580, 78360". Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Manufactured during the last years of the reference's production, this GMT 1675 is particularly significant. At face value the watch is instantly recognizable as a 'Pepsi' bezel Rolex GMT. Such a watch is already in great demand, however a closer look will inform the observer that this watch has an infinitely significant feature, which is the Arabic personalization to the dial above the text at 6 attributable to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.   Upon creation of the United Arab Emirates on the 2nd of December, 1971, his highness Sheikh Al Maktoum became the country's first Minister of Defence and is presently the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE as well as Ruler of Dubai. 

Although Rolex is known to cater to requests for personalized pieces, it is not known exactly how many pieces of such special dials were made. But what is clear is that they are incredibly rare and hugely desirable and to find a reference 1675 with the same special dial that is set apart from the rest to such an extent is a very precious and coveted commodity indeed.

The present watch is further retained in very appealing and original condition.