A 1963 Rolex Day-Date that once belonged to Gamal Abdel Nasser, the distinguished former president of Egypt, is set to be auctioned by Sotheby’s during its Important Watches auction in New York on December 6.
The 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 to fetch betweenUSD30,000 – 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.
Renowned for his connection to the Egyptian people, Nasser 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 him 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 catalogue, 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, favoured by industry leaders, celebrities and heads of state. Nasser’s Rolex, though, is 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, the watch and his friendship with El Sadat meant a great deal to Nasser – and this watch was 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, recalled.
“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,” he said.
“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 explained how the watch was handed down to him.
“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,” he said.
“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 the late president’s 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, as they are typically hidden away for decades with families or donated to museums and presidential archives,” said Geoff Hess, Sotheby’s Global Head of Watches.
“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.”
“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.”
For more information, please visit www.sothebys.com.