拍品专文
A superb trophy for Daytona enthusiasts, this entirely fresh to the market, stunning and exceptionally rare Asprey retailed reference 6263 is presented here for the very first time at auction. Remaining in wonderful condition, showing only the lightest possible signs of use, it even retains the original Rolex green hologram reference number sticker to the back of the case.
Ordered by the Sultan of Oman through the highly prestigious firm of Asprey in London’s New Bond Street, who held the Sultan’s exclusive Royal Warrant, the Asprey name is engraved on the case back in common with all the watches ordered through the Asprey company by His Majesty. As part of an exceedingly small series, only one or perhaps two other Asprey retailed reference 6263 Daytona’s from this very late period in the model’s production are known publically, the present watch being the first ever to be offered at international auction. As such it offers a possibly unrepeatable opportunity to possess one of the rarest versions of the last 6263 Daytonas in superb condition.
To add an even further layer of exclusivity, an almost identical watch certainly from the very same Asprey order also with close serial number 9’127’XXX is prominently illustrated in Davide Parmigiani’s book “111 Fabulous Daytona”.
It comes as no surprise that a gift of such magnitude, offered by none other than the Sultan himself, was always considered the ultimate prize and rarely actually worn. The result is the superb timepiece offered here, unquestionably one of the most desirable Daytonas of the 1980s.
Of immense interest itself, the accompanying box was created especially for presentation watches for the Sultan of Oman. On top of the lid, the Khanjar, the royal crest with the crossed swords of Oman, is even more prominent than the Rolex crown. On the interior is the Royal Warrant dedication of the retailer: “TO. H. M. QABOOS BIN SAID JEWELLERS GOLDSMITHS SILVERSMITHS ASPREY PLC. NEW BOND STREET LONDON”.
Testament to the fact that this watch was actually a gift from the Sultan, it comes with a personal card from His Majesty in a small envelope stamped with the Khanjar. The Arabic script, gold on white, reads: “WITH MY COMPLIMENTS, QABOOS BIN SAID, SULTAN OF OMAN”.
Reference 6263
Over the years the reference 6263 has become one of the most sought-after Rolex models, introduced in 1969 as the sister reference of the 6265, it replaced the first Oyster chronograph, reference 6240. Offered with the upgraded caliber 727 as well as screw down pushers enhancing its waterproof abilities, the timepiece bears the “Oyster” designation on the upper-half of its dial and differed from the 6265 through its black bezel graduated to 200 units. The defining feature of the reference is undeniably the presence of the screw down pushers, which make the entire watch look larger, more sporting and masculine.
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said
Born on 18th November 1940 in Salalah, Dhofar, His Majesty is the only son of Sultan Said bin Taimur and Princess Mazoon al-Mashani. His education took place in Salalah, India, where he studied under Dhayal Sharma, the former President of India, and eventually in England. At the age of 20, he began his military training and joined the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, eventually serving in Germany for one year in the Scottish Rifles.
His Majesty ascended to the throne on 23rd July 1970. An absolute monarch, he proved himself a successful ruler, using the revenues obtained from oil to modernize his country. With his guidance, his country and subjects enjoyed countless advances, both social and technological. Oman has strengthened international relations, both in the Middle Eastern area, and on a more global scale. Newspapers are now permitted and schools, highways, hotels and shopping centres have been built. A substantial amount of money is now spent on healthcare and education.
Recently, the Sultan also permitted parliamentary elections, during which women were allowed to vote and be elected. The parliament enjoys legislative powers.
The foreign policy of his Majesty is formal neutrality. Oman has good relationships with Iran as well as Britain and USA. As a result, His Majesty Qaboos has often acted as intermediary between Iran and USA.
Beyond his enthusiasm for watches, the Sultan's interests also include music. He is an avid fan of classical music, with a particular penchant for the pipe organ. The Omani orchestra is one of the most appreciated in Middle East.
Ordered by the Sultan of Oman through the highly prestigious firm of Asprey in London’s New Bond Street, who held the Sultan’s exclusive Royal Warrant, the Asprey name is engraved on the case back in common with all the watches ordered through the Asprey company by His Majesty. As part of an exceedingly small series, only one or perhaps two other Asprey retailed reference 6263 Daytona’s from this very late period in the model’s production are known publically, the present watch being the first ever to be offered at international auction. As such it offers a possibly unrepeatable opportunity to possess one of the rarest versions of the last 6263 Daytonas in superb condition.
To add an even further layer of exclusivity, an almost identical watch certainly from the very same Asprey order also with close serial number 9’127’XXX is prominently illustrated in Davide Parmigiani’s book “111 Fabulous Daytona”.
It comes as no surprise that a gift of such magnitude, offered by none other than the Sultan himself, was always considered the ultimate prize and rarely actually worn. The result is the superb timepiece offered here, unquestionably one of the most desirable Daytonas of the 1980s.
Of immense interest itself, the accompanying box was created especially for presentation watches for the Sultan of Oman. On top of the lid, the Khanjar, the royal crest with the crossed swords of Oman, is even more prominent than the Rolex crown. On the interior is the Royal Warrant dedication of the retailer: “TO. H. M. QABOOS BIN SAID JEWELLERS GOLDSMITHS SILVERSMITHS ASPREY PLC. NEW BOND STREET LONDON”.
Testament to the fact that this watch was actually a gift from the Sultan, it comes with a personal card from His Majesty in a small envelope stamped with the Khanjar. The Arabic script, gold on white, reads: “WITH MY COMPLIMENTS, QABOOS BIN SAID, SULTAN OF OMAN”.
Reference 6263
Over the years the reference 6263 has become one of the most sought-after Rolex models, introduced in 1969 as the sister reference of the 6265, it replaced the first Oyster chronograph, reference 6240. Offered with the upgraded caliber 727 as well as screw down pushers enhancing its waterproof abilities, the timepiece bears the “Oyster” designation on the upper-half of its dial and differed from the 6265 through its black bezel graduated to 200 units. The defining feature of the reference is undeniably the presence of the screw down pushers, which make the entire watch look larger, more sporting and masculine.
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said
Born on 18th November 1940 in Salalah, Dhofar, His Majesty is the only son of Sultan Said bin Taimur and Princess Mazoon al-Mashani. His education took place in Salalah, India, where he studied under Dhayal Sharma, the former President of India, and eventually in England. At the age of 20, he began his military training and joined the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, eventually serving in Germany for one year in the Scottish Rifles.
His Majesty ascended to the throne on 23rd July 1970. An absolute monarch, he proved himself a successful ruler, using the revenues obtained from oil to modernize his country. With his guidance, his country and subjects enjoyed countless advances, both social and technological. Oman has strengthened international relations, both in the Middle Eastern area, and on a more global scale. Newspapers are now permitted and schools, highways, hotels and shopping centres have been built. A substantial amount of money is now spent on healthcare and education.
Recently, the Sultan also permitted parliamentary elections, during which women were allowed to vote and be elected. The parliament enjoys legislative powers.
The foreign policy of his Majesty is formal neutrality. Oman has good relationships with Iran as well as Britain and USA. As a result, His Majesty Qaboos has often acted as intermediary between Iran and USA.
Beyond his enthusiasm for watches, the Sultan's interests also include music. He is an avid fan of classical music, with a particular penchant for the pipe organ. The Omani orchestra is one of the most appreciated in Middle East.