Lot 241
  • 241

ROLEX | GMT-MASTER, REF 1675STAINLESS STEEL DUAL TIME WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET MADE FOR SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUMCIRCA 1978

Estimate
120,000 - 200,000 CHF
bidding is closed

Description

  • Rolex
  • GMT-MASTER, REF 1675STAINLESS STEEL DUAL TIME WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET MADE FOR SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUMCIRCA 1978
Dial: blackCalibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewelsMovement number: D'476'513Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown and backCase number: 5'420'219Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding clasp Dimensions: 39mm, bracelet circumference approx. Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

Condition

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. The date and second time zone advancing. CASE: In very crisp and original condition. The lugs with bevels to the edges, with surface wear that can be seen with the naked eye. The wear is consistent with age and wear. Wear to the underside of the lugs, the lug holes to with wear. Bezel in good condition. The bracelet slightly stretched. Light scratching throughout. DIAL: in good condition. The lume has aged to an attractive and consistent patina. Hands in good condition The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Catalogue Note

Manufactured during the last years of the reference's production, this GMT 1675 is particularly significant. At face value the watch is instantly recognisable as a 'Pepsi' bezel Rolex GMT. Such a watch is in great demand at just that, however a closer look will inform the observer of an infinitely more significant feature. Of course this is the Arabic personalisation to the dial above the text at 6 attributable to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.  His highness Sheikh Al Maktoum recognised as one of the founding fathers of the United Arab Emirates, acting as Prime Minister as of 1971 and ascending to the Ruler of Dubai after his father in 1990.

As previously discussed (see lot 208) the 1675 represents one of Rolex's longest production runs for any reference. It thus stands to reason that a vast quantity of watches carrying this reference exist, so then, to find a watch from this production that is set apart from the rest to such an extent is a very precious and coveted commodity indeed. It is known that Rolex would cater to requests for personalised pieces however it is impossible to know exactly how many pieces were commissioned by His Highness Sheikh Al-Maktoum. What is clear that they are incredibly rare and hugely desirable.