223 Rolex Extremely Important, Remarkable and Probably Unpolished, Submariner, Automatic Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, With Rare Green Khanjar Logo, Reference 1680

Estimate: €250,000 –⁠ 500,000

Model: Submariner
Reference: 1680
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1976
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 1570
Case N°: 4 212 992
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Literature: Sold at Phillips "Geneva Watch Auction: THREE - Geneva Auctions 15 May 2016" as lot 138 for 125,000 CHF

Introduced in 1953, the Submariner model became one of the most recognizable watches on the market and is now universally known as “THE” Rolex par excellence together with the Daytona. The reference 1680, such as the present lot, was the first of the Rolex Submariner family to include the date. Interestingly, reference 1680 was also Rolex’s first Submariner to be offered in gold. In the course of its 70 years of history, many variations have been created: some lavishly set with diamonds or precious gems, but only a handful can command the prestige of the present timepiece. Especially commissioned for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said of Oman, it embodies the tradition of the Sultan to order important timepieces from the Rolex manufacture. On its gorgeous black dial at 6 o’clock, emblazoned in elegant green, are found the highly coveted “Khanjar” daggers, the national emblem of Oman, signifying royal provenance. Made upon special request, these timepieces were given as gifts to loyal servants and foreign dignitaries. The fact that the present lot is in gold signifies that it was most certainly offered as a gift to a high-ranking dignitary. The “Khanjar” emblem on the dial also provides for particular purity as all the printing habitually found on the Submariner dial here is nonexistent. Inherently rare and of historical importance, the present watch is among the most significant yellow-gold Submariners to have been offered at auction in the recent years. Enhancing its collectability, the wristwatch is offered in remarkable conditions of preservation and represents one of the very few opportunities to purchase one of the rarest examples ever produced. Watches with this emblem are extremely sought after, and due to their exceptional rarity, few appear on the market. This specific watch has been previously sold at Phillips “Geneva Watch Auction: THREE—Geneva Auctions 15 May 2016” as lot 138.