Rolex has created some of the most surprising, beautiful and unusual watches for the Arab States in the Gulf. The manufacture's custom pieces date back to the 1950s, when Rolex fitted Arabic discs to the most luxurious Day-Date watches.

Most probably unique, this watch is unlike anything the market has ever seen before. In lieu of white gold markers are white Arabic-Indic numerals printed directly on the black dial. Having never appeared at auction, it has only previously been published in literature.

Throughout the years, Rolex has cultivated and sustained its successful relationship with the Arab States by producing a multitude of special order watches for the region. This watch was most certainly made upon special order, very likely for a member of the Middle Eastern royal family. The watch bears a 3.655 million serial number and is one among a batch of known watches delivered to the Middle East.

Manufactured by Singer, this dial is made in accordance with all the production techniques and quality standards of the time. Attention should be given to the absence of traditional holes for the hour markers. Apart from first series dials stamped “Singer Brevet AV” that feature glued numerals, dials with the single designation “Singer” are designed with holes.

The absence proves that this dial was never meant to have applied indexes and is also testament to its originality. Most importantly, the dial feet have never been broken off or re-soldered, meaning this dial was never altered. Thus, it cannot be characterized as a sample, test or prototype. Rather, it was made and destined for an actual watch reserved for a client.

The visual effect of the bi-colour is dazzling and compelling. The “Sigma” designation at 6 o’clock refers to the white gold Rolex crown at 12 o’clock. Most interestingly, the design and font of the Arabic-Indic numerals is incredibly similar to a modern Rolex production watch – the platinum Day-Date 40 with Arabic-Indic numerals sold only by Middle East retailers.