1974 Rolex 1803 White Gold “Khanjar“ Day-Date

Description: Omani Khanjar daggers represent the virtue of status; symbol of the Sultanate, of manhood, used only to be bloodied, seeking of revenge or brandished in self-defense. To remove the dagger from its scabbard, and to not bloody the blade, is considered a great cultural taboo.

Our 1974 1803 White Gold ‘Khanjar’ Day-Date bears the national emblem of Oman. A reddened, bloodied, dagger stamped into white gold.

During the 70s and 80s, Omani royalty commissioned from Rolex watches worthy of royal degree. Blanks were sent to London’s Asprey Jewelers and, sanctioned by Rolex, stamped the with Omani national emblem: a khanjar flanked by two crossing swords. Kanjar stamped 18k White Gold Day-Dates are objects of subtlety. In innocence, they’re just another Day-Date…just not any Day-Date. A seemingly simple watch, an arranged marriage between humility and thoroughbred heritage. 

One needs not bear relation to religious figureheads, nor be royalty-make to make-use of this white gold “Khanjar” stamped Day-Date. But, by equipping, in ceremony or comfort, this rare timepiece, the wearer can participate in a unique history and time in Rolex’s heritage.

Case: 36mm unpolished 18k White Gold, beveled edges taper softly into lug ends

Dial: Brushed 18k White Gold with raised circular diamond hour markers, baguettes at six and nine, and gold coronet

Bezel: Fluted 18k White Gold

Bracelet: President, tightly linked

Relevant History: Historically, khanjars whose hilts were made made bearing white gold were reserved for Sayyids, leaders of Islamic society whose descendancy is believed to source from bloodlines of Ali, cousin and companion to Prophet Muhammad. In modernity, the dagger’s strictly used as accessory to ceremony; worn formally, accoutrement to weddings or diplomatic functions.