The PHILLIPS New York Watch Auction: XIII takes place on 6-7 December 2025, at our Park Avenue headquarters. The auction includes more than 140 of the world's finest watches – and though we are loath to boast, we truly think it's one of the best catalogues we've ever put together. We'll be highlighting a number of the most interesting lots and stories featured in the sale right here, including the possibly unique, circa 1979 Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 with "Green Khanjar" seen below.
When a stainless steel Rolex Daytona with a green Omani Khanjar emblem on the dial surfaced from a private American collection, it immediately caught our attention.
The watch, a Ref. 6265 from the late 1970s, had never been seen publicly. It came with a remarkable backstory – one that connects an American pilot with Middle Eastern royalty.
The consignor’s father spent much of his career in the sky. After serving in the U.S. Air Force and as a commercial pilot for Iran Air, he flew Boeing 707s for the Dubai royal household, piloting long-haul routes to Europe and beyond. At some point during those years, he was presented with the Daytona you see here – a personal gift that would later reveal itself as a watch of rare historical importance.
We spoke with the consignor about his father’s time in the Middle East, how the watch came into his hands, and why it remains such a meaningful piece of family history. The consignor also shared a detailed letter and a series of family photographs, presented below alongside his commentary.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Phillips: Can you describe your father’s work with the Dubai royal family’s flight crew?
Consignor: Following a legacy Air Force career, he flew for Iran Air and then for the Dubai Air Wing Crew. He was always in command as the Captain. He told us that at times the royal family would take two planes: one with the Sheikh and the falcons, the other with the women and children. The royal family often flew to Europe for business, as well as enjoyment and shopping.
How long did he serve with the royal family?
Consignor: He supported the royal family for about five years. I was completing graduate school during that time. My mother and younger siblings also lived in Dubai and embraced the unique culture there.
How did your father describe receiving the watch?
Consignor: He didn’t describe that exact moment, but he often shared that the royal family recognized him by offering gifts after their journeys. This gift stood out – he said it was a particularly nice one – and he decided to give it to his eldest son, which was me. My reflection is how lucky I was to have inherited that special watch so many years ago.
How did you feel when he gave it to you?
Consignor: I knew Rolex made superb watches, but I didn't understand the significance of this watch. It was many years later that I learned how unique and special it is. My father routinely wore his own Rolex, and he appreciated it as a timepiece with Swiss craftsmanship. So for me, it was special to be given a Rolex. I wore it most of the time in those early years, including during medical training and in practice. I was particularly proud to wear it on my wedding day. In retrospect, maybe I should have kept it secure and only worn it for special occasions, but I am glad I used it and enjoyed it.
Do you remember the condition of the watch when your father gave it to you? Was it new, or did it appear to be worn?
Consignor: It was brand new, and in the original box. My Dad told me it had been gifted to him, and he wanted me to have it. I wish I’d kept all the packaging and paperwork, but at the time, I didn’t realize it would ever be of importance.
Do you recall what year your father gave it to you?
Consignor: I believe he gave it to me around 1980. It could have been 1979 or 1981.
When did you realize the watch might be significant? Did anyone ever comment on the Khanjar emblem?
Consignor: It happened in later years. My daughter lives in New York, and one of her friends recognized it immediately. He told me that my watch was very special. He even took me to a few watch stores in Manhattan. The merchants dropped what they were doing and wanted to buy it on the spot. I was stunned as I started to realize the importance of this Rolex.
What do you think the watch represented to your father?
Consignor: My father was an excellent pilot. He was experienced, disciplined, and safety-focused, and he took his responsibilities seriously. Following such an honored flying career, I think the watch symbolized recognition for what he brought to his profession. It symbolized that he was appreciated and trusted.
Your family also kept a gift set bearing the Sultan’s seal. Was that from the same period?
Consignor: Yes, it was gifted around the same time. My younger brother has that set now.
Did your father keep any other mementos from his years flying for the royal family?
Consignor: I know he received other gifts, possibly even other watches, but the Khanjar Rolex was special. He passed away a few years ago, and this gift truly stands out.
Looking back, what does it mean to see your father’s story shared in this way?
Consignor: It feels like an acknowledgment of him and his long and successful career. He worked hard and took pride in what he did.
You can learn more about this Daytona in our previous coverage.
You can view the complete Phillips New York Watch Auction: XIII auction catalogue here.