Rolex - Daytona Ultimatum Geneva Friday, May 11, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Cica 1974
    Reference No: 6263 "The Red Sultan" inside case back stamped 3’655’348
    Case No: 3’655’348
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal.727, 17jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 271, max. length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed, outside case back further stamped Asprey
    Literature: For a comparable example in literature, please consult Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo Editions, pages 408 to 411.

  • Catalogue Essay

    One of the most striking Daytona watches to ever appear at auction, this timepiece was ordered through Asprey and made upon special request by His Majesty Qaboos bin Said Al Said, the Sultan of Oman. A watch enthusiast and connoisseur, His Majesty is well known for his exquisite taste.

    Timepieces fitted with custom Middle Eastern dials were often presented as gifts for the most loyal servants, dignitaries and citizens. It was an honor to be presented with a Rolex timepiece bearing the state symbol. Many of these wristwatches are cherished by their original owners, and passed down from one generation to the next.

    The “Khanjar” logo, part of the emblem of the Sultanate of Oman, is proudly emblazoned at 12 o’clock. Of particular note is the “Rolex Oyster” script, which is positioned higher to allow space for the state symbol. Furthermore, the “Cosmograph” signature usually found on the top of the dial is now printed above the counter at 6 o’clock. Contrasting against the black dial and silver printing, the multi-layered red “Khanjar” symbol is utterly dazzling.

    It is our understanding that the Sultan presented these timepieces to members of the British Air Service and Royal Air Force to thank them for helping him defeat rebels thus allowing him to consolidate power. To date the market has rediscovered a very small number of Cosmographs made for the Sultanate of Oman, indicating the model’s rarity.

    This watch is distinguished by its impressive condition. The dial is free of visible tarnishing or spotting and features luminous dots that are round and intact. The case is crisp and the watch retains its original pushers.

    Ordered through Asprey, this timepiece bears the retailer's logo engraved on the case back. Of particular note is the ‘hole’ near the crisp milled edge of the case, which was used to secure the back in place when Rolex did the engraving. The inside case back is furthermore repeated with the serial number, confirming it was manufactured upon special order.

    Founded in 1781 by William Asprey, Asprey has retailed some of the most surprising and unusual Rolex watches of the 20th century. Throughout the years, the Omani royal family ordered a number of pieces through the storied retailer such as Cosmographs, Sea-Dwellers and Oyster Perpetuals.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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Ref. 6263 "The Red Sultan" inside case back stamped 3’655’348
An extremely rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial and bracelet, made for the Sultanate of Oman and retailed by Asprey

Cica 1974
37.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed, outside case back further stamped Asprey

Estimate
CHF600,000 - 1,200,000 

Sold for CHF1,212,500

Contact Specialist
Tiffany To
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 96 63
tto@phillips.com

Daytona Ultimatum

Geneva Auction 12 May 2018