74 Rolex Very Well Preserved and Rare, Datejust, Automatic Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Made for the Royal Saudi Arabian Armed Forces, Reference 16 018
Estimate: €7,000 – 14,000
Sold (Premium)€14,300
Model: Datejust
Reference: 16018
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1981
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 3035
Case N°: 7 073 864
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Since the launch of the Rolex Datejust in 1945, the date only model is one of the brand’s most recognizable winning card. The epitome of a classic wristwatch, the Datejust model boasts a wide array of innovative dial variations. Among the various iterations, preserved in excellent overall condition, the present reference 16 018 is a rare example of an 18K gold watch supplied to the Royal Saudi Arabian Armed Forces. A long-standing tradition in Middle Eastern countries, wristwatches has long been used as tokens of appreciation on behalf of ruling monarchs. The fascination of the Arab world with fine timepieces is further highlighted by the fact that some military institution and governmental departments requested and obtained bespoke timepieces bearing insignia or department names on the dial. The present watch perfectly exemplifies this trend. Manufactured in yellow gold and preserved in incredible conditions, the dial of this timepiece is special: often ordered upon request by the royal family or government officials, these watches are gifted only to their loyal staff and important visitors and was personalized with the Royal Saudi Arabian Armed Forces crest at 6 o’clock.