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: He moved from Iran Air to the Dubai air crew. He was the captain when he flew – one of several crews they had – and he often talked about how they would take two planes: one with the Sheikh and the falcons, and another with the women and children. They usually flew to Europe, though I’m sure they went elsewhere, too. He always said they were flights for travel, shopping, and official business.
How long did he serve with the royal family?
Consignor: About five years, I think. I was in school in the United States at the time, but my younger siblings lived there.
How did your father describe receiving the watch?
Consignor: He didn’t describe the exact moment, but he often said the royal family gave him gifts after flights. This one stood out – he said it was particularly nice – and he decided it should go to his eldest son, which was me. So I lucked out and inherited the watch many years ago.
How did you feel when he gave it to you?
Consignor: I knew Rolex made good watches, but I didn't really understand the significance of this watch in particular. My father wore a Rolex for many years. It felt really nice to have such a nice watch. I wore it like a regular watch. I wore it during medical school training and early in my career – even on my wedding day. In retrospect, it's probably nicer than that. It probably should have been kept in a safe for special occasions, but I wore it frequently, and I've used it in my day-to-day life. Only years later did I learn how rare it is.
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, in its box. He told me it had been gifted to him, and he wanted me to have it. I wish I’d kept everything, but at the time, I didn’t realize it would ever matter.
Do you recall what year your father gave it to you?
Consignor: I'm guessing around 1980. It also might've 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 it was something very special and even took me around to a few watch stores. People wanted to buy it on the spot. I had no idea it was that important until then.
What do you think the watch represented to your father?
Consignor: My father was an excellent aviator – very disciplined, very safety-focused. He was a career pilot in the U.S. Air Force, as well as with Iran Air and then in Dubai. I think the watch symbolized recognition. It meant that people appreciated what he did for them and trusted him. He took that responsibility seriously.
Your family also kept a gift set bearing the Sultan’s seal. Was that from the same period?
Consignor: Around the same time, yes. My younger brother has that set now.
Did your father keep any other mementos from his years flying for the royal family?
Consignor: I don't know the answer to that, but I wouldn't be surprised. I suspect he received other gifts, possibly even other watches, but I’m not sure. He passed away a few years ago. This one has always stood out.
Looking back, what does it mean to see your father’s story shared in this way?
Consignor: It feels like a nice acknowledgment of him and his long career as an aviator. 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.