54 Rolex Rare and Catching, Datejust, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel and Yellow Gold, With Khanjar Logo Dial, Reference 16013

Estimate: € 5,000 –⁠ 10,000

Sold € 8,450

Model: Datejust
Reference: 16013
Case Material: Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold
Year: 1978
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 3035
Case N°: 5650485
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case

1945 marked the 40th anniversary (also called jubilee) of the founding of Wilsdorf&Davis, the parent company of Rolex, and the event was celebrated with the introduction of the new Datejust model. As the years went by, various innovations were introduced and a further important change for the Datejust family came in ’77, when the entire Rolex Datejust range received the new cal. 3035 equipped with a rapid date display. This feature added a further element of interest to the model, which, in the meantime, had become an authentic best-seller. The present Rolex Datejust is a reference 16 013, part of the quick-set date function family, manufactured in stainless steel and yellow gold. The three-piece case with screw down back and gold crown has an 18k yellow-gold faceted bezel and a crystal with cyclops lens. It remains in great condition, as does the jubilee bracelet in steel with inner links in gold. The champagne dial with applied gold baton indexes, outer minute divisions, date aperture and luminous dots is incredibly fresh looking and well preserved. Most notably, the watch is fitted with a “Khanjar” dial, featuring the Khanjar symbol at 6 o’clock, a part of the national emblem of Oman. It has become known in the recent years for being depicted on special watches directly commissioned by the Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. When found on a wristwatch, the Khanjar automatically makes them extremely rare and are considered among the world’s most sought-after collectable pieces such as the present lot.