836
Rolex
Ref. 6263, inside case back stamped 6265
Oyster Cosmograph ‘UAE Desert Eagle’
An exceptionally rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with UAE Coat of Arms dial, bracelet and box, made for Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
- Estimate
- HK$1,440,000 - 2,880,000$180,000 - 360,000
HK$1,750,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1975
- Reference No
- 6263, inside case back stamped 6265
- Case No
- 4’137’760
- Model Name
- Oyster Cosmograph ‘UAE Desert Eagle’
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Mechanical, 727, 17jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel <em>Rolex Oyster </em>bracelet, reference 78350, 183 mm. maximum length, end links stamped 571
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel <em>Rolex</em> folding deployant clasp stamped 1.76
- Dimensions
- 37.5 mm. diameter
- Signed
- <em>Case, dial and movement signed, dial further stamped with the UAE Desert Eagle and signature of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Wazarah Ad Difa’A</em>
- Accessories
- With <em>Rolex</em> fitted presentation box with outer packaging and extra hands
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Rolex watches have long been favored by Sheiks, army officials and the ruling party in the Middle East. It comes as no surprise that these timepieces were also their gift of choice, particularly in the 1970s. During this time, Rolex received a number of special orders for dials featuring the coat of arms, or the names of the royal family.
Having never appeared at auction before, this correct reference 6263 features a custom dial with the UAE Quraysh Hawk. Made upon special request for Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Emir of Dubai in the mid- 1970, the present watch was part of an order comprising a few dozen timepieces. Reference 6263, introduced to the market in 1969, was available until the mid 1980s. Fitted with an acrylic bezel insert and screw down pump pushers, the watch was a commercial success.
Most interestingly, this watch is ‘one’ serial number apart from the very same model sold at Phillips’ historical START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Steel Chronographs sale, which fetched a staggering price of 605,000 CHF, further legitimizing the present example.
John Goldberger's Opinion
There are many points of interest regarding this watch. Firstly, the dial is in incredible condition and is very attractive. Rendered in polychrome relief printing, the UAE emblem (the Quraysh Hawk) is emblazoned at 12 o’clock, with the signature of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum proudly displayed below. Above 6 o’clock is the signature of the Wazarah Ad Difa’A department written in Arabic script. These graphics are all original and correct.
The ‘Sigma’ dial is also correct for this model. The dial features angular numeral markers, softly shimmering in a way that only white gold can. The luminous is round and perfectly formed, having turned with light orange patina, which match the hands.
The excellent condition of the case is also very striking. Featuring sharp finishes to the top of the lugs and edges, the watch retains its original screw down pushers and bezel insert. The bracelet, stamped for the first quarter of 1976 is also original to the watch.
The present lot’s rarity and attractive appearance places it among one of the most impressive Cosmograph Daytona models in recent years.
Having never appeared at auction before, this correct reference 6263 features a custom dial with the UAE Quraysh Hawk. Made upon special request for Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Emir of Dubai in the mid- 1970, the present watch was part of an order comprising a few dozen timepieces. Reference 6263, introduced to the market in 1969, was available until the mid 1980s. Fitted with an acrylic bezel insert and screw down pump pushers, the watch was a commercial success.
Most interestingly, this watch is ‘one’ serial number apart from the very same model sold at Phillips’ historical START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Steel Chronographs sale, which fetched a staggering price of 605,000 CHF, further legitimizing the present example.
John Goldberger's Opinion
There are many points of interest regarding this watch. Firstly, the dial is in incredible condition and is very attractive. Rendered in polychrome relief printing, the UAE emblem (the Quraysh Hawk) is emblazoned at 12 o’clock, with the signature of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum proudly displayed below. Above 6 o’clock is the signature of the Wazarah Ad Difa’A department written in Arabic script. These graphics are all original and correct.
The ‘Sigma’ dial is also correct for this model. The dial features angular numeral markers, softly shimmering in a way that only white gold can. The luminous is round and perfectly formed, having turned with light orange patina, which match the hands.
The excellent condition of the case is also very striking. Featuring sharp finishes to the top of the lugs and edges, the watch retains its original screw down pushers and bezel insert. The bracelet, stamped for the first quarter of 1976 is also original to the watch.
The present lot’s rarity and attractive appearance places it among one of the most impressive Cosmograph Daytona models in recent years.
Literature
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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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