Sotheby's To Offer Historic Rolex Once Owned by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser

Historic Rolex Day-Date once owned by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser to be offered in Sotheby’s Important Watches Auction on 6 December in New York. Gifted by lifelong friend and subsequent successor Anwar El Sadat The Rolex ‘President’ comes to market for the first time, directly from the Nasser family.

Having sacrificed many temptations and extravagances as one of the most influential Arab leaders in modern history, one can understand how and why he cherished this gift from a life-long friend and comrade in arms. As his grandson I am hoping to pass on the watch to someone who appreciates Gamal Abdel Nasser’s legacy and his dedication to the pursuit of a lasting Freedom and Peace in the region and beyond, thereby spreading his legacy throughout the days and hours of time.” Gamal Khalid Gamal Abdel Nasser.

NEW YORK, 4 NOVEMBER 2024 – Sotheby’s is set to offer a remarkable piece of history—a 1963 Rolex Day-Date once belonging to the distinguished former President of Egypt, Gamal Abdel Nasser—in its Important Watches auction in New York on December 6. This prestigious timepiece, with its significant ties to a pivotal chapter in Middle Eastern history, is being offered at auction for the first time by Nasser's grandson, where it is estimated at $30,000 - 60,000.

Gamal Abdel Nasser became the second President of Egypt in 1954 and was a widely celebrated leader known for his significant strides toward social justice, his advocacy for peace among Arab nations, and transformative public works projects like the Aswan High Dam. These initiatives brought immediate economic, agricultural, and ecological benefits to the country, with the creation of the Aswan High Dam, leading to the Metropolitan Museum of Art receiving the famous Temple of Dendur.

Nasser, renowned for his connection to the Egyptian people, typically eschewed material possessions. However, this Rolex Day-Date stands out as a unique and cherished gift from his lifelong friend Anwar El Sadat, who would succeed Nasser as Egypt’s third President. The watch features an inscription in Arabic on its reverse, reading: “Mr. Anwar El Sadat 26-9-1963,” marking the bond between the two leaders, and friends.

Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date is the flagship model of the Rolex catalog, crafted exclusively in precious metals and known for being the first watch to display both the day and date in full on the dial. Often referred to as the “Rolex President,” this timepiece is synonymous with prestige and power, favored by industry leaders, celebrities, and heads of state. A gift from El Sadat, this makes this Rolex ‘President’ not just a timepiece, but a remarkable symbol of friendship and legacy: a watch gifted from one President to another.

Despite his lack of material possessions, this watch and his friendship with El Sadat meant a great deal to Nasser – and this watch is ever present throughout many historic moments of his presidency. It can be seen in photographs during pivotal moments like the Six-Day War as well his many diplomatic meetings on his quest to unite the Arab world. The watch remained a constant presence throughout his life, as President Nasser’s grandson, Gamal Khalid Gamal Abdel Nasser, recalls: 

Shortly after my grandfather’s death, my grandmother gave the watch to my father, as she wanted him to have it as the eldest son. A few years before my father passed in September 2011, he showed me the watch for the first time and passed it on to me, just as his mother had done with him.”

Following his death in 1970, his few material possessions were donated by the Nasser family to his namesake museum in Cairo. This Rolex Day-Date remains his sole possession outside any museum collection and is a witness to history - a truly presidential Rolex.

Rarely do we see storied watches from Presidents, such as this Rolex Day-Date, come into the public eye, typically hidden away for decades with families or donated to museums and presidential archives. Offering this timepiece is not just about the object itself, but about the rich tapestry of history it represents. It embodies both personal friendship and monumental legacy, making it a truly unique artifact for collectors and historians alike.” Geoff Hess, Sotheby’s Global Head of Watches.

For more information, please visit sothebys.com.