.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
In 1976, Rolex manufactures some 144,000 watches, with serial numbers between 4.115.000 and 4.259.000 and between 5.000.000 5.084.000. The missing serial numbers (4.373.000-5.000.000) are used for replacement cases.
This timepiece is made at the request of Muhammed bin Rashid Al Makktoum, Emir of Dubai in the mid-1970s, part of a series comprising a few dozen pieces. These watches come with a personalised dial, made in two similar but different versions of the writing above the 6 o'clock register. The rarest of them bears the UAE crest at 12 o' clock, within which one can distinguish the signature of The Emir Al Makhtoum. The lower part of the dial displays the mark of the Wazarah Ad Difa'A department. This lot is part of this very rare series, which is undeniably one of the best known and recognised by Daytona lovers, not only for its rarity, but also for its aesthetic appeal.
Of particular interest is the "Quraysh Hawk" that stands out on the UAE crest crafted in different 'padded layers' which creates a peculiar tri-dimensional effect.
At the centre of the hawk, symbol of the United Arab Emirates, stands a polychrome enameled Arabian sailboat, which is replaced today by the U.A.E. federation flag.
The UAE consists of seven Arab nations called Emirates, i.e. Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujaira, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Quwain. This federation is represented by one single symbol, the Quràysh hawk (the Quràysh is the dominant tribe who settled in Mecca). It holds a red parchment with the Arab inscription 'al-Imarat al-'Arabiyya al-Muttahida' and is placed in the centre of the UAE flag which replaced the former Arabian sailboat.
The present example is absolutely fresh to the market and part of the small series sold to Dubai in the 1970's. The unrestored dial is certainly of extreme exclusivity for seasoned Daytona aficionados.
This timepiece is made at the request of Muhammed bin Rashid Al Makktoum, Emir of Dubai in the mid-1970s, part of a series comprising a few dozen pieces. These watches come with a personalised dial, made in two similar but different versions of the writing above the 6 o'clock register. The rarest of them bears the UAE crest at 12 o' clock, within which one can distinguish the signature of The Emir Al Makhtoum. The lower part of the dial displays the mark of the Wazarah Ad Difa'A department. This lot is part of this very rare series, which is undeniably one of the best known and recognised by Daytona lovers, not only for its rarity, but also for its aesthetic appeal.
Of particular interest is the "Quraysh Hawk" that stands out on the UAE crest crafted in different 'padded layers' which creates a peculiar tri-dimensional effect.
At the centre of the hawk, symbol of the United Arab Emirates, stands a polychrome enameled Arabian sailboat, which is replaced today by the U.A.E. federation flag.
The UAE consists of seven Arab nations called Emirates, i.e. Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujaira, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Quwain. This federation is represented by one single symbol, the Quràysh hawk (the Quràysh is the dominant tribe who settled in Mecca). It holds a red parchment with the Arab inscription 'al-Imarat al-'Arabiyya al-Muttahida' and is placed in the centre of the UAE flag which replaced the former Arabian sailboat.
The present example is absolutely fresh to the market and part of the small series sold to Dubai in the 1970's. The unrestored dial is certainly of extreme exclusivity for seasoned Daytona aficionados.