One of the rarest and most sought-after Rolex Daytona in the world. The present wristwatch was sold by Asprey, London and manufactured at the special request of the His Majesty the late Qaboos bin Said Al Said, Sultan of Oman almost 50 years ago.

Watches fitted with custom-made dials from the Middle East were often presented as gifts to the most loyal servants, dignitaries and citizens. It was an honor to be presented with a Rolex movement bearing the state symbol. Many of these wristwatches are treasured by their original owners and are passed down from one generation to the next rather than being sold.

This specific watch bears the “Qaboos” signature emblazoned at 12 o’clock. Especially noteworthy is the “Rolex Oyster” writing, which is positioned higher to make room for the signature. In addition, the “Cosmograph” signature, which is normally at the top of the dial, is here printed above the counter at 6 o’clock. Unlike the black dial and the silver print, the multilayer red “Qaboos” symbol is absolutely dazzling.

From our understanding, the Sultan presented these timepieces to members of the British Air Service and the Royal Air Force to thank them for helping him defeat the rebels and thus consolidating his power. To date, the market has rediscovered only 9 Daytona watches made for the Sultanate of Oman, indicating the rarity of the model.

This watch is distinguished by its impressive condition. The dial is free of visible fittings or stains and has round, intact luminous dots. The case is “sharp” and the watch still has its original pushers.

This watch ordered through Asprey carries the dealer’s logo engraved on the case back. The inside of the case back is also repeated with the case number, confirming that it was made to special order.

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

In the collector world the thought after Rolex are steel Rolex with black dials and red lettering. On the one hand the contrast to the black dial, is striking and clearly visible, but on the other hand, because all watches with silver dials and green or black lettering he was many years later and not given to SAS soldiers. Red writing = original! Black dial = rare and coveted!

There are only three other world-famous watches of this reference and with a black dial: One of them has been in a private collection in Europe for over 25 years and was never offered. The only other publicly known sold watch sold in 2013 at Christies for over  nine years ago. A comparable example in literature can be found in the Ultimate Rolex Daytona book, by Pucci Papaleo Editions, pages 416 to 419. The present watch was featured by leading publications.

This watch is not only extremely rare (one of three known) but both the case and dial are very attractive and extremely well preserved. It will for sure attract any serious collector’s attention. A real “trophy” watch you won’t find anywhere else.