The story of Sultan Qaboos bin Said and his watch collection is truly fascinating! It’s a tale of a leader that had a deep appreciation for fine timepieces.

One of the first challenges Qaboos faced was the Dhofar Rebellion, a communist insurgency. He skillfully navigated this crisis, securing support from the Shah of Iran, King Hussein of Jordan, British Special Forces, and the Royal Air Force.

The history of Oman during this period is complex and involves sensitive issues that deserve a separate, more nuanced discussion. While we acknowledge the complexities and potential controversies surrounding British involvement in the region, we want to focus our attention on the fascinating world of watches and the unique relationships that emerged during this time.

The story of Sultan Qaboos’s watch collection is a captivating one, filled with intrigue, luxury, and a touch of history. Let’s delve into the world of these exquisite timepieces and the connections they represent, while recognizing that the broader historical context deserves its own careful examination.

Now, let’s dive into the world of watches. Qaboos had a close relationship with Asprey of London, a renowned luxury retailer. It was through Asprey that he commissioned the first set of double-stamped Rolex 1665 Omani Sea-Dwellers. These watches, featuring either a red Khanjar or Qaboos dial script, were a symbol of his appreciation for the SAS operatives who fought bravely in the Dhofar War.

This first batch of double-stamped Sea-Dwellers, gifted to the SAS operatives in the early 1970s, became a legend in the world of watch collecting. It’s a testament to Qaboos’s leadership, his appreciation for the men who served his country, and his discerning taste for fine timepieces.

Sultan Qaboos was a true pioneer in the world of watch collecting, embracing Swiss timepieces at a time when the industry was just beginning to blossom into a global luxury market. His passion for these intricate pieces was undeniable, even as watch collecting communities were still in their early stages.

One of the most intriguing aspects of his personalized watches is the mystery surrounding the Khanjar signature. While the décalque technique used to apply the emblem is well-understood, the identity of the individual or workshop responsible for this delicate process remains shrouded in secrecy. The Khanjar, a curved dagger that is a symbol of Oman, was meticulously transferred onto the watch dials using a cliché (a metal plate with the design engraved into it). Ink was then applied to the recessed areas of the cliché, and a silicone or gelatine stamp was used to transfer the design onto the dial with remarkable precision.

Despite the clarity surrounding the technique, the question of who actually applied the Khanjar signature remains unanswered. This adds a layer of intrigue to the story of Sultan Qaboos’s watch collection, leaving collectors and enthusiasts alike to ponder the identity of the skilled artisan who brought these unique timepieces to life.

Asprey, the renowned London jeweler, received two distinct types of dials from the Swiss watchmakers: modified and unmodified. The modified dials are particularly rare, as they were specially altered to accommodate the Khanjar signature. This involved creating additional space on the dial, often by repositioning or even removing the original Rolex signature. In contrast, unmodified dials were left untouched by Rolex, and the Khanjar was simply added to the dial, sometimes in a less-than-ideal position.

This is particularly evident with the Rolex Daytona. Some Daytona dials were modified, with the Rolex signature at 12 o’clock being moved upwards or completely removed to make room for the Khanjar. Other Daytona dials were left untouched by Rolex, with the Khanjar being placed elsewhere, such as within the sub-dial at 6 o’clock.

The fact that Rolex would willingly remove their own signature from a dial to accommodate another is a testament to the immense influence of Sultan Qaboos at the time. It’s a practice that would be unthinkable today, showcasing the unique circumstances and power dynamics of that era.

So, there you have it, a glimpse into the fascinating world of Sultan Qaboos bin Said and his extraordinary watch collection. It’s a story a deep appreciation for the art of fine watchmaking. Stay tuned for more, as we delve deeper into the details of these exquisite timepieces and the intriguing stories they hold.

Images courtesy of Luxury Bazaar

Please leave this field empty

Welcome to the first African Watch Magazine !

Sign up to receive awesome content in your inbox, every day.

Email Address *

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.