Thread by @EdClowes

A quick preview of this weekend's rare watch auction at Christie's in Dubai.

Every year, this sale brings with it a trove of watches ordered by Arab rulers as gifts, all pieces of the region's history.

Here's a thread of some of my favourites this year:

First up, one of the real highlights of this year's auction is this Rolex Daytona made for the Sultan of Oman in 1979, valued at $400,000.

Of all the Middle Eastern luxury royal watches, those with the Khanjar (Omani daggers) on their face are the most valuable.

A bit of background: These pieces were often commissioned as gifts, usually by a sheikh’s protocol department, who would then give them to police, heads of state, dignitaries, private jet pilots, oil executives, and ambassadors.

A bit of trivia about the Omani watches: Many were gifted to members of the SAS, the UK's special forces, when they assisted Sultan Qaboos in quelling the Dhofar Rebellion in the 60's and 70’s.

Alright, next up is a watch commissioned by Sheikh Mohammed, Ruler of Dubai, during his time as the UAE minster of defence.

This Rolex GMT-Master is valued at around $100,000, and features Sheikh Mohammed's signature on the face, alongside the Ministry of Defence coat of arms.

Also coming from the UAE, this 18k gold Rolex features the UAE Armed Forces coat of arms on it, and is valued at $20,000.

Christie's says the watch is the property of an Emirati collector.

These are Patek Philippe watches which bear the state emblem of Iraq, a golden black eagle, on them.

Saddam Hussein was well-known for gifting watches, although it's not clear if he commissioned these models (although they are definitely government issue).

Generally fetching lower prices than the UAE or Omani royal watches, the first Iraqi timepiece (made in 1981 and studded with diamonds) is estimated to sell for between $6,000-$12,000.

The second, also a Patek Philippe, was made in 1979 and is valued at $15,000-$30,000.

Like those from Iraq, collectors of vintage royal pieces also tend to be less keen on acquiring Saudi watches, meaning they typically achieve lower valuations.

Surprisingly, this year's auction has no pieces from the Kingdom. But here's how they often look anyway:

Now, time for a very odd piece: This rare 18k white gold Patek Philippe Ellipse was directly commissioned by former Libyan strongman Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in 1979.

It features a Tiffany blue face, and the quote “Only in times of need will you find freedom," signed by Gaddafi.

Among the rarest examples of its kind, this watch was made to commemorate Labour Day in Libya, 1978. Only three were ever made, one of which has the same quote in English.

Christie's say this watch is being sold by a "high ranking Middle Eastern official" for upwards of $50,000.

Alright, to close this thread out, the best of the rest, all made for Sultan Qaboos (including a personalised 18k gold Patek Philippe lighter worth $15,000!)

And to prove it's not just Arab leaders who have watches made, a Patek Philippe commissioned - and signed - by Italian leader Silvio Berlusconi.

This watch is yours for about $6,000.

Oh, and a brilliant Coca-Cola Rolex, given to an employee to commemorate their 25th year at the company.

If you're interested in these watches, and want to read more about their history, who they were given to, why some are more valuable than others, and who is buying them up in 2019, here's a piece I wrote in 2017 on the subject: bit.ly/2WdiXAQ