Rolex Day-Date 18079 red “Khanjar” Bark Finish in 18k white for the Sultanate of Oman

As you already know, we LOVE Day-Dates!

 

The current rare reference 18079 Day-Date is a remarkable example. First, it’s made of white gold; second, it features a rare factory "Bark" finish; and last but not least: this is a "Qaboos" watch, created specifically for the Sultanate of Oman.

 

Qaboos bin Said Al Said was the Sultan of Oman from 1970 until his death in 2020. Sultan Qaboos was an early collector and admirer of wristwatches. At a time when the watch industry was transitioning into a global luxury business and wristwatch collecting communities were just beginning to take shape, the Sultan’s passion for horology remained steadfast.

 

As the principal intermediary for the Sultan, Asprey London played a pivotal role in this process. For a long time, it was assumed that the brands were responsible for applying the Khanjar to the dials before sending them to Asprey. However, it now seems that Asprey was actually the one to apply the coat of arms. It remains uncertain whether the dials were provided separately or taken from fully assembled watches, but in most instances, it was the retailer—rather than the brands—that stamped the dials. The Sultan seemed to appreciate quite a few brands, including Rolex, IWC, Patek Philippe, Baume et Mercier, and others!

 

The soleil-finished dial features the national emblem of Oman, depicting the Khanjar dagger in a sheath, crossed over two swords in bright red. It also has yellow lume plots—stunning! The Day and Date discs are in Arabic, a cool detail, we think! The caseback also has an unusual feature: it is engraved with a Khanjar!

 

The bracelet is an 18k white gold President bracelet, with the center links featuring the correct "Bark" finish. It has a concealed clasp and end links marked "55," fitting wrists up to 18-18.5 cm. This fine Day-Date has been fully checked and regulated by our watchmaker.

 

We think these watches are super interesting and visually appealing. Encountering a Rolex, Patek Philippe, or IWC with a Khanjar emblem on the dial is a thrilling experience for any watch aficionado. The knowledge that such a timepiece has a direct connection to royalty adds a unique sense of prestige, one that’s hard to match.

 

While military-issued watches or those with dual signatures from renowned retailers have their own allure, the rich history behind any Khanjar-signed watch may place them in a class all their own, get in touch !

 

Specifications:

 

• Rolex Day-Date reference 18079

• 36mm white gold case , with hand “Bark “finish

• Serial 522xxxx dating to 1977

• Silver soleil finished dial with red Khanjar and yellow lume plots

• Khanjar Engraved on caseback

• Arabic day and date discs

• 18 k white gold Bracelet with “Bark “ finish and concealed clasp

• Fully checked by our watchmaker

• One-year mechanical warranty

• Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping