Watches fitted with custom Middle East dials were often presented as gifts to ambassadors, dignitaries, or staff, as a token of gratitude or respect. It was an honor to be presented a Rolex watch with the state symbol. In fact, many of these watches are cherished by their original owners, and passed down from one generation to the next. As a result, Rolex watches with custom dials hardly appear on the market.
The present example, with a 5.06 million serial number, is part of an extremely small group of watches delivered specially by Rolex upon order by His Majesty, the Sultan of Oman, and features the coveted “Golden Khanjar”, likely the rarest of all Omani-issued wristwatches. These watches, numbered between a 5.0 and 5.3 million serial range, were gifted to loyal servants and foreign dignitaries, and as we see from this historically interesting Sea-Dweller, in recognition of service to the Sultanate of Oman who sought to express gratitude to members of special forces who assisted him in the early 1970s.
Originally consigned at auction by the son of the original owner, this watch and its documented provenance provide a rich history of the original owner as well as for this extremely sought-after watch.
The symbol on the dial is part of the national emblem of Oman and there are three types found on timepieces: the rarest “Golden Khanjar”, like the present watch, depicts an object of utmost importance, a red “Qaboos” signature, and the more commonly seen “red Khanjar”. Far rarer than other versions, the Gold Khanjar Sea Dweller is believed to have been produced in no more than one dozen examples. This particular example is accompanied by an unprecedented litany of documentation, photographs and other printed material that reflects an impressive provenance of Omani military service.
The original owner of the present watch was employed by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) Airwing from 1975-1980. Due to the lack of a marine unit in either the police or Oman Navy, he organized a small group of volunteers who would provide meaningful support. During his time in Oman, he was twice called upon to assist in search and rescue operations when a royal fight helicopter (AU40- AD) crashed.
In the first instance, he was called upon to dive to, locate, and recover the aircraft. In the second instance, when a police academy ROP helicopter went down with cadets aboard on March 20th of 1977, the owner participated in search and rescue for lost bodies, and later recovery of the wreck. The owner’s Scuba Dive Log Book with both of these events recorded is included in the material accompanying the watch.
Extraordinarily, the watch comes with its original guarantee and service medals awarded to the original owner. In appreciation for his service, the owner was granted “The Order of The Special Royal Emblem” by the Sultan of Oman in recognition of his efforts and dedication.
This extraordinary and rare “Golden Khanjar” Sea- Dweller, along with its rich historical documentation, will captivate both Rolex collectors and connoisseurs seeking a trophy in one of the most unique and well-documented Omani watches ever to be offered.
