Rolex Day-Date 18038 Purple Khanjar Dial from Original Owner’s Family with Provenance

Every now and then, we’re pleasantly surprised by a phone call or an email offering us a truly special vintage watch — one coming directly from the original owner or their family. And that’s exactly the kind of piece we’re presenting today!

 

At hand, we have a remarkable Rolex Day-Date reference 18038 — already special thanks to its rare purple dial. What makes this piece truly exceptional, however, is its Khanjar and crossed-swords crest: the national emblem of Oman, representing the country’s traditional weapons.

 

This watch was ordered by Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the ruler of Oman from 1970 until his passing in 2020. A known watch aficionado, the Sultan frequently commissioned timepieces directly from manufacturers to gift to friends, advisors, and visiting dignitaries.

 

Watches bearing this emblem are exceptionally rare, and we’ve written an article about them — you can read it here!

 

It’s a unique sight to find a 18038 with Purple dial, let alone with the red Khanjar emblem, adding a subtle yet striking contrast without overpowering the composition.

 

The case and bracelet are in outstanding condition. We believe the watch remains unpolished, having only been gently cleaned (some photos even show traces of the former owner’s “DNA” before cleaning!).

 

The 18K yellow gold has acquired a rich, dark patina — a feature we absolutely love. Its concealed-clasp President bracelet, reference 8385, with 55 end links, currently fits wrists up to 17.5 cm and remains in beautiful condition.

 

This Day-Date is accompanied by a handwritten letter from the granddaughter of the Tunisian minister who was gifted the watch — alongside an IWC Ingenieur bearing a matching Khanjar emblem, which we also have in stock.

 

The letter details how these watches entered the family and the deep significance they held. We even have rare photographs of the original owner wearing them, including a striking image of him shaking hands with Sultan Qaboos himself. These images will only be shared with the future owner.

 

Watches with this kind of royal provenance and historical weight almost never appear on the market — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a true piece of horological and historical heritage, get in touch !

 

Specifications:

 

• Rolex Reference 18038 Day-Date

• 36mm 18 k yellow gold case

• Serial 838xxxx dating to 1984

• Purple hue dial with red Khanjar emblem

• English day wheel

• Yellow gold President concealed clasp bracelet ref 8385 with end links 55

• Single quick set movement

• Fully serviced by our watchmaker

• One-year mechanical warranty

• Handwritten letter of grand daughter of original owner

• Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping