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Lot Essay
Part of the rarest iterations of the Rolex reference 1680, the present timepiece is one of the most desirable examples of the contemporary Submariner.
Introduced in 1953, the Submariner model became one of the most recognizable watches on the market. While many variations have been created, some lavishly set with diamonds or precious gems, only a handful can command the prestige of the present timepiece. Specially commissioned for the Sultanate of Oman, it embodies the tradition of the Sultan to order important timepieces from the Rolex manufacture. The magnificent blue dial of the present example is bestowed with Sultan Qaboos signature in gold colour - amongst the most coveted colours for collectors of Rolex timepieces with Middle-Eastern provenance.
As there was no official Rolex retailer in Oman, many of these wristwatches, such as the present, were ordered through the United Kingdom and due to their special nature featured the serial number replicated inside their case back. The watch shows also the RWC LTD and RWCo. for Rolex Watch Company Ltd inscriptions which signified export to the United Kingdom, as well as English import marks.
Rarified gems in the world of auctions, gold Submariners with the signature of Sultan Qaboos are uncommon finds and result from scarce orders. As a result, the few 18k gold Submariners found with blue dial and Omani emblem on their dials have serial numbers which are extremely close to one another - A similar example with a Khanjar sold at Christie's Geneva in 2019 with case number 3'566'321.
Inherently rare and of historical importance, the present watch is amongst the most significant yellow gold Submariners to have been offered at auction in the recent years.
Introduced in 1953, the Submariner model became one of the most recognizable watches on the market. While many variations have been created, some lavishly set with diamonds or precious gems, only a handful can command the prestige of the present timepiece. Specially commissioned for the Sultanate of Oman, it embodies the tradition of the Sultan to order important timepieces from the Rolex manufacture. The magnificent blue dial of the present example is bestowed with Sultan Qaboos signature in gold colour - amongst the most coveted colours for collectors of Rolex timepieces with Middle-Eastern provenance.
As there was no official Rolex retailer in Oman, many of these wristwatches, such as the present, were ordered through the United Kingdom and due to their special nature featured the serial number replicated inside their case back. The watch shows also the RWC LTD and RWCo. for Rolex Watch Company Ltd inscriptions which signified export to the United Kingdom, as well as English import marks.
Rarified gems in the world of auctions, gold Submariners with the signature of Sultan Qaboos are uncommon finds and result from scarce orders. As a result, the few 18k gold Submariners found with blue dial and Omani emblem on their dials have serial numbers which are extremely close to one another - A similar example with a Khanjar sold at Christie's Geneva in 2019 with case number 3'566'321.
Inherently rare and of historical importance, the present watch is amongst the most significant yellow gold Submariners to have been offered at auction in the recent years.