Rolex. A very fine and very rare stainless steel dual time automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date, bracelet and navy blue bezel, made for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
The following two lots, 418 and 419, are exceedingly rare examples of Rolex GMT-Master models made for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also Sheikh Mohammed, (born 15 July 1949), Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and constitutional monarch of Dubai. He has held those positions since January 2006, when he succeeded his elder brother, Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In February 2006, he became Prime Minister of the UAE. Presenting gifts is an important tradition in the Arab culture, with generosity and politeness being very significant aspects in this regard, and for some reason watches, particularly made by Rolex, appear to be among the favourite presents. Following this custom, a variety of Rolex watches were made with the dials customized with the signature of His Highness, including models such as GMT-Master, Daytona, Submariner and Sea-Dweller, just to name some. The signature can be either printed in combination with the crest of the UAE Ministry of Defence (lot 418) or on its own (lot 419). The UAE symbol represents the union of the seven states Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Quwain, represented by one symbol: The Quraysh Eagle. Watches personalization for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum are highly sought after collectors pieces in today's market.
Rolex. A very fine and very rare stainless steel dual time automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date, bracelet and navy blue bezel, made for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL, GMT-MASTER MODEL, REF. 1675, CASE NO. 2'768'462, CIRCA 1971

Details
Rolex. A very fine and very rare stainless steel dual time automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date, bracelet and navy blue bezel, made for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Signed Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, GMT-Master model, ref. 1675, case no. 2'768'462, circa 1971
Cal. 1570 automatic movement, 26 jewels, black matte dial with the polychrome crest of the UAE Ministry of Defence above 6 o'clock, the signature of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to its right, luminous dot, baton and dagger numerals, luminous hands, luminous central hand for the second time zone, sweep centre seconds, outer minute divisions, magnified window for date, tonneau-shaped water-resistant-type case, blue revolving bezel calibrated for 24 hours, screw back, screw down crown, stainless steel Rolex Oyster extendable bracelet, case, dial and movement signed
39.5 mm. diam

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Lot Essay

The present GMT-Master reference 1675 is an exceedingly rare example featuring the UAE crest and the signature of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Noteworthy also is the "Quraysh Hawk", printed in different 'padded layers' which creates a peculiar tri-dimensional effect. At the centre of the hawk, symbol of the United Arab Emirates, is a polychrome enamelled Dhow or Arabian sailboat, which is replaced today by the U.A.E. federation flag.

In stunning overall condition, the present watch is furthermore distinguished by the "navy" blue bezel insert, believed to have been a special feature for watches supplied predominantly to Middle Eastern armed forces in the early 1970s.

Its original dial stands out by the evenly discoloured luminous material to numerals and hands, displaying a most charismatic cream-coloured tone, all enhanced by the very crisp "Quraysh Hawk" crest and signature of His Highness Sheik Al Maktoum. The case is likewise preserved in very good overall condition, full case proportions enhanced by the well-defined fluting to the lugs.

Of superb overall appeal and rarity, the present reference 1675 is a rare find for the aficionado of rare sports watches.

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