Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 25, 2023
LOT 55
ROLEX, REF. 1601, DATEJUST, LAPIS LAZULI DIAL WITH KANJHAR CREST, YELLOW GOLD
EUR 80,000 - 120,000
USD 87,000 - 132,000 / HKD 690,000 - 1,030,000 / CHF 79,000 - 118,000
Sold: EUR 96,200
A very fine and extremely rare, self-winding, 18k yellow gold self-winding wristwatch with a very rare lapis lazuli dial with the "Kanjhar" crest at 6 o'clock and date.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 2-06 |
Very good |
Movement: 2* |
Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-01 |
Very good HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex, Switzerland
Model Datejust, "Khanjar"
Reference 1601
Year 1975
Movement No. D944927
Case No. 4061268
Material 18K yellow gold
Bracelet 18k yellow gold Rolex "Jubilee" bracelet with deployant clasp
Diameter 36 mm.
Caliber 1570
Weight 113.8 gr. (approx.)
Signature Dial, case and movement
Notes
After being introduced in 1945, the Rolex Datejust has known many variations. The reference 1601 was produced from the 1960’s to 1980’s. It is one of the most emblematic vintage reference of the Datejust. What makes this wristwatch truly exceptional is the lapis lazuli dial with the “kanjhar” crest, national emblem of Oman. Given the difficulty of machining these hard stones as dials, few were produced, and even fewer have reached us in good condition. These very rare examples are particularly sought after by collectors. On the other hand, the kanjhar” crest painted on the dial indicates this wristwatch might probably have been a diplomatic gift. This type of present was part of Qaboos bin Said (1940-2020), Sultan Of Oman’s policy. He commissioned many watches with the Omani royal crest, a “khanjar” dagger laid over crossed swords, to offer them as gift in recognition of a service rendered.