Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XX Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1983
    Reference No: 16800
    Movement No: 0'655'411
    Case No: 8'085'199
    Model Name: Submariner "Royal Oman Police"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3035, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    A historically very interesting timepiece, the present Submariner was made for the Royal Oman Police (as seen by the insignia on the dial), which is the main law and order agency for the Sultanate of Oman. Instead of the depth rating ("Submariner, 1000ft=300m, Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified) which is usually found above 6 o'clock, one finds the Khanjar symbol, which is the national emblem of the Sultanate of Oman, which is flanked by laurel wreath along with an Arabic inscription meaning "Shurta 'Uman as-Sultaniyyah" or "Royal Oman Police".

    Watches fitted with "Khanjar" dials were made on special request from His Majesty Qaboos bin Said Al Said, the Sultan of Oman, and presented as gifts to his closest dignitaries and collaborators. Given the professional nature of the timepiece, one can imagine that the this model was given to high ranking members of the Royal Oman Police as symbol of recognition.

    With a serial number of 8'085'199 the present timepiece is also very close in serial range to another known example with a serial number of 8'085'072, meaning that both were delivered in the same batch. Reference 16800 was introduced into the market in 1982 and featured upgrades such as the quick-set date function, as well as an increased depth rating of 1000 ft (300 m). Like its predecessor the reference 1680, the dial also featured luminous markers.

    However, what makes this timepiece stand out from its peers is its state of preservation. The case is remarkable, with all its factory edges and finishing intact. Most importantly, it still retains its original caseback sicker and most probably has never been worn during its lifetime. As such, it is a study for scholars and collectors on how this timepiece looked like when it originally left the Rolex factory.

  • 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.

    View More Works

113

Ref. 16800
A rare and attractive stainless steel diver's watch with center seconds, date, caseback sticker and bracelet, made for the Royal Oman Police

Circa 1983
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 120,000 
€63,800-128,000
$69,800-140,000

Sold for CHF82,550

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88

tto@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XX

Geneva Auction 9 - 10 November 2024