Rolex Day-Date Rare Khanjar Dial 1803

About the Item

A vintage yellow gold Day-Date by Rolex. Featuring a champagne dial with applied hour markers and a logo of the Khanjar, representing the national emblem of Oman. This piece was commissioned by Asprey, as they were known widely for producing these pieces for the Sultan of Oman. The fluted bezel, president bracelet and concealed Crownclasp are now synonymous characteristics of a Day-Date. Fitted with a plexiglass and self-winding automatic movement. In excellent condition, this timepiece comes with its original outer Rolex box as well as an inner Rolex box which features the Khanjar logo and our own one-year warranty. Purchased from the original owner's son. This timepiece is a one-owner watch belonging to a Lieutenant Colonel, who served in the military and was deployed to work in Oman between 1974 to 1977. His exemplary service garnered him recognition from the Queen and Qaboos bin Said, which can be seen through the additional documents you can request to see. As you can see from the photos, we do have Rolex punched papers dated April 1975. However, these unfortunately are not for this watch but for a men's Datejust that was originally sold with this Day-Date 1803 in April 1975. The Datejust was sold some time ago and the papers given with it were for this 1803, hence this piece having the papers for the Datejust. This stunning and rare Rolex Day-Date is truly the perfect collector's piece, making it a great addition.

Creator:
Rolex
Design:
President Day Date Watch
Case Material:
Gold,18k Gold,Yellow Gold
Strap Material:
Gold
Case Shape:
Round
Movement:
Case Dimensions:
Diameter: 1.42 in (36 mm)
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Period:
20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1974
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: 141023011stDibs: LU607320702252

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Rolex

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

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