.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
拍品专文
The condition and completeness of this Asprey-retailed reference 1665 Sea-Dweller with ‘Qaboos’ dial is quite simply astounding. Consigned by a private collector, it is probably the finest example ever to be offered at auction. It offers collectors the singular opportunity to obtain what is without doubt a museum-worthy diver’s Rolex with full set made for the Sultan of Oman.
The state of preservation of this watch is such that it can be considered a miraculous survival. Each and every detail delights the observer with its near perfection. From the ultra-sharp crisp angles, finishes and inscriptions of the case to the untouched naturally age-patinated bezel insert which only serves to enhance the original magic. The dial in particular is awe-inspiring for both its originality and beauty, the bright red signature of His Majesty Qaboos Bin Said immediately captures the attention, as do the tritium indexes which have developed a rich deep sand-coloured patina. One of the most interesting aspects of Rolex watches made for the Sultan of Oman in the 1970s is that the dials were absolutely specially designed only for the Omani models. For example, the dial of the present Sea-Dweller model has been redesigned so that the key characteristic inscriptions for depth rating and ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’ of the standard 1665s of the period have been removed to allow full prominence to the red Qaboos signature so creating an entirely unique and eye-catching aesthetic.
Adding another layer of excellence to the present watch is the survival of both the original box, Certificate and full range of accessories. Indeed, almost as fascinating as the watch itself is the accompanying box. The lid is emblazoned with the Khanjar, the royal crest with the crossed swords of Oman, placed even more prominently than the Rolex crown itself . The interior bears the details of the Omani Royal Warrant held by Asprey: ‘TO. H. M. QABOOS BIN SAID JEWELLERS GOLDSMITHS SILVERSMITHS ASPREY & COMPANY LTD. NEW BOND STREET LONDON’.
Rolex Sea-Dweller ‘Qaboos’
According to research by Rolex scholars, it is thought that only around 100 Sea-Dwellers were made in total for Oman. This includes watches with either the more usual ‘Khanjar’ emblem on the dial and watches with the rarer ‘Qaboos’ signature dial such as the present watch. Of the 100 watches thought to have been made, it is estimated that probably only a third have survived or are known publicly. Interestingly, all the recorded watches have serial numbers within the 3.566*** to 3567*** range. Rolex Sea-Dwellers made for Oman should always have the retailer Asprey’s name engraved on the caseback and the serial number engraved on the inside of the caseback.
A man of undeniably exquisite taste and also a watch enthusiast, His Late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, owned and offered as gifts innumerable timepieces. The collaboration between Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said and Rolex started in the early 1970s with the Sultan's wish to show his gratitude to the members of the British Special Forces, SAS, who had successfully assisted him in his fight against rebels from 1970 to 1976. In the years to come he regularly ordered various Rolex models which were presented as gifts in recognition of a service rendered. It can be assumed that the degree of personalisation indicated the level of appreciation that the Sultan wished to demonstrate to the recipient. A simple merit deserves the Crest of Oman (Khanjar) on the dial or the back of the timepiece, while extraordinary appreciation is expressed with a watch featuring His Majesty's signature such as the present lot.
Asprey
On the inside of the caseback, in addition to the usual case maker’s indications, the serial number is engraved above the reference number. This is a characteristic that is typical of special orders and was executed by Asprey, who also engraved their name on the back. During the early years of the 1970s there were no official watch agents in Oman and so almost all of the watches made by various brands were supplied through the ultra high-end retailer Asprey in London and very occasionally through their Geneva branch. Located since 1847 at 167, New Bond Street, the Asprey name has become particularly synonymous with watches supplied to Middle Eastern royalty with special emblem dials and/or exotic gem-set cases particularly by Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. In regard to watches, it was really only Asprey who for generations had direct contact with this kind of exalted client and those clients trusted the company to coordinate their special watch requirements. In the 1950s, 60s and 70s and even into the 80s, outsiders, even the famous watch brands would have had almost no access or opportunity to deal directly with Middle Eastern royalty, Asprey was therefore the main conduit for that very important market.
The state of preservation of this watch is such that it can be considered a miraculous survival. Each and every detail delights the observer with its near perfection. From the ultra-sharp crisp angles, finishes and inscriptions of the case to the untouched naturally age-patinated bezel insert which only serves to enhance the original magic. The dial in particular is awe-inspiring for both its originality and beauty, the bright red signature of His Majesty Qaboos Bin Said immediately captures the attention, as do the tritium indexes which have developed a rich deep sand-coloured patina. One of the most interesting aspects of Rolex watches made for the Sultan of Oman in the 1970s is that the dials were absolutely specially designed only for the Omani models. For example, the dial of the present Sea-Dweller model has been redesigned so that the key characteristic inscriptions for depth rating and ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’ of the standard 1665s of the period have been removed to allow full prominence to the red Qaboos signature so creating an entirely unique and eye-catching aesthetic.
Adding another layer of excellence to the present watch is the survival of both the original box, Certificate and full range of accessories. Indeed, almost as fascinating as the watch itself is the accompanying box. The lid is emblazoned with the Khanjar, the royal crest with the crossed swords of Oman, placed even more prominently than the Rolex crown itself . The interior bears the details of the Omani Royal Warrant held by Asprey: ‘TO. H. M. QABOOS BIN SAID JEWELLERS GOLDSMITHS SILVERSMITHS ASPREY & COMPANY LTD. NEW BOND STREET LONDON’.
Rolex Sea-Dweller ‘Qaboos’
According to research by Rolex scholars, it is thought that only around 100 Sea-Dwellers were made in total for Oman. This includes watches with either the more usual ‘Khanjar’ emblem on the dial and watches with the rarer ‘Qaboos’ signature dial such as the present watch. Of the 100 watches thought to have been made, it is estimated that probably only a third have survived or are known publicly. Interestingly, all the recorded watches have serial numbers within the 3.566*** to 3567*** range. Rolex Sea-Dwellers made for Oman should always have the retailer Asprey’s name engraved on the caseback and the serial number engraved on the inside of the caseback.
A man of undeniably exquisite taste and also a watch enthusiast, His Late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, owned and offered as gifts innumerable timepieces. The collaboration between Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said and Rolex started in the early 1970s with the Sultan's wish to show his gratitude to the members of the British Special Forces, SAS, who had successfully assisted him in his fight against rebels from 1970 to 1976. In the years to come he regularly ordered various Rolex models which were presented as gifts in recognition of a service rendered. It can be assumed that the degree of personalisation indicated the level of appreciation that the Sultan wished to demonstrate to the recipient. A simple merit deserves the Crest of Oman (Khanjar) on the dial or the back of the timepiece, while extraordinary appreciation is expressed with a watch featuring His Majesty's signature such as the present lot.
Asprey
On the inside of the caseback, in addition to the usual case maker’s indications, the serial number is engraved above the reference number. This is a characteristic that is typical of special orders and was executed by Asprey, who also engraved their name on the back. During the early years of the 1970s there were no official watch agents in Oman and so almost all of the watches made by various brands were supplied through the ultra high-end retailer Asprey in London and very occasionally through their Geneva branch. Located since 1847 at 167, New Bond Street, the Asprey name has become particularly synonymous with watches supplied to Middle Eastern royalty with special emblem dials and/or exotic gem-set cases particularly by Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. In regard to watches, it was really only Asprey who for generations had direct contact with this kind of exalted client and those clients trusted the company to coordinate their special watch requirements. In the 1950s, 60s and 70s and even into the 80s, outsiders, even the famous watch brands would have had almost no access or opportunity to deal directly with Middle Eastern royalty, Asprey was therefore the main conduit for that very important market.