Sotheby’s Important Watches auction on December 6 will feature three extraordinary Rolex watches with ties to history and adventure. The first, a 1963 Rolex Day-Date belonging to former Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, will be offered by his grandson, Gamal Khalid Gamal Abdel Nasser. Estimated at $30,000–$60,000, this watch was a gift from President Nasser’s friend and successor, Anwar El Sadat, and symbolizes an era of transformation and unity within the Arab world.
President Nasser’s Day-Date, known as the “Rolex President,” bears an Arabic inscription commemorating El Sadat’s gift in 1963, and it stands as a relic of the President’s vision for social justice and regional unity. Seen in photographs from crucial diplomatic meetings and the Six-Day War, this Rolex accompanied President Nasser throughout his presidency, later passing through generations as a family heirloom. Now, as Gamal Khalid Gamal Abdel Nasser states, this auction presents an opportunity for “someone who appreciates Gamal Abdel Nasser’s legacy and dedication to the pursuit of lasting Freedom and Peace.”
The auction also includes two historic Rolex Submariners from Al Giddings’ personal collection. An internationally renowned underwater cinematographer and a four-time Emmy winner, Mr. Giddings wore these watches on explorations from the North Pole to the Titanic. Having captured iconic underwater footage for films like Titanic and The Abyss, Mr. Giddings’ watches embody an unparalleled spirit of exploration and innovation. While the Gold 1680 Submariner is expected to achieve $40,000, the Gold 1680 Submariner might bring in $60,000.
These timepieces transcend their function, representing both legacy and a remarkable depth of human experience. For Mr. Giddings, whose Submariners journeyed through his many dives to the Titanic and explorations of historical shipwrecks, these watches represent adventure and resilience. The stainless steel Submariner 1680, estimated at $20,000–$40,000, is emblematic of his career and the development of underwater cinematography, enduring tens of thousands of hours beneath the sea. Meanwhile, the gold Submariner 1680/8, gifted by Rolex’s T. Walker Lloyd, appeared on Titanic on Bill Paxton’s wrist, further immortalizing Mr. Giddings’ impact on underwater storytelling.
These watches invite both collectors and historians to reflect on the unique narratives they carry. As Geoff Hess, Sotheby’s Global Head of Watches, notes, “Offering these timepieces is not just about the objects themselves but about the rich tapestry of history they represent.” President Nasser’s Rolex captures a leader’s personal commitment to progress, while Mr. Giddings’ Submariners embody an intrepid life spent unraveling mysteries beneath the waves. Both timepieces stand as lasting reminders of the legacies and milestones these two figures left behind—one for social change, the other for the pursuit of the unknown.
These watches, whether commemorating a diplomatic legacy or groundbreaking underwater expeditions, offer a unique opportunity for collectors to connect with moments that shaped history. As they cross the auction block, they bring with them narratives of sacrifice, friendship, and perseverance that will continue to inspire beyond their days on a wrist.
