Sheik Mohammad's GMT

[Chngster]

Apologies if you've already seen this, but I thought this was too good not to share. Sheik Mohammad's GMT is apparently on sale.

Original article here

And as an aside, an interesting interview with Eric Ku, vintage Rolex collector from 2011, here.

[Bangel]

Thanks for the links. Very interesting articles and video. I never knew about the white submariner.

[sierra11b]

Originally Posted by hodinkee

The Rolex GMT-Master 1675 is just an awesome watch on its own, but when you add in a dose of Middle Eastern royalty, they get even cooler

I disagree and never really understood the idea of coveting a watch from middle eastern royalty, regardless of the arabic on the dial, and especially as a westerner. I would much rather have a gilt 1675.

A relative of mine got a Datejust a few years back for doing a project in conjunction with UAE royalty as did everyone else involved. It is a modern piece without any customized dial as I think Rolex may have stopped with these dials (I may be wrong on that), but she asked me what it was worth and seemed perplexed when I offered her less than retail face value for the thing.

Sure they're rare but I imagine royalty handed these out like peanuts amongst handshakes, which to me anyway, takes away from the perceived value. There was a recent sale from Mr. Ku for Syrian President Hafez Al-Assad's Sea Dweller that was gifted to his chef after a great meal. Really?

If there was more meaning behind getting a watch other than being in the same room as the Sheik then I might understand. But even if it was earned for a meritorious achievement I would still be wary of wearing a watch I did not rate. U.S. Generals have coins that they carry on them and some were notorious for handing them out like candies. Some were much more coveted and typically only earned in conjunction with an impact award, which was awarded directly by the general officer on the spot, for doing something above and beyond the call of duty, and not simply because his meal was seasoned properly.

[joe100]

I'm with Eric,

The Arabic on the dial may look interesting but that's where it stops for me.

[Noonan]

Originally Posted by joe100

I'm with Eric,

The Arabic on the dial may look interesting but that's where it stops for me.

Same here. Plus, I'm guessing I'd get real sick of having to explain what it was every time someone looked at the watch.

[Time2time]

First the Red Sub................now the Red GMT.

[Watchonisto]

[Jim M]

Looks like James Dowling's travel piece!

[Hairdude1]

Cool info

[Art 1]

Cool. I think James Dowling has one similar.

[MP5]

I also have zero interest in the arabic dials and would much rather have a gilt

[lawyerwatchfan]

Couldn't care less about this piece. Unless it has some technical improvement, I don't care what Sheik, Prince or "royalty" it is associated with.

[closetothebrink]

Anyone know what the Arabic text says?

[Kingair]

Seen this pic before

Love it

Looks amazing

HAGone

[wristybusiness]

I think my sentiment toward these arabic dialed watches mirror my sentiments toward 'celebrity' watches -- I really have no interest in having someone else's name on my watch, regardless of what social importance they may have to a small group of people.

I think it may have to do with the fact that watches in the Rolex price stratosphere are owned by people who have their own worthy life achievements that they'd rather associate with the watch rather than with royalty from across the planet or some guy who hits golf balls for a living.

That being said, there is clearly a market for these watches, which I think is fine. But for me these watches have no added value whatsoever.

[Stuxnet]

Two things:

1) Who is Sheikh Mohammad? Mohammad is one of the more common name in the world and any male from the Middle East is usually a sheikh. I apologize for not googling the gent but I'm on the road with an iPhone and sorting through a million hits for Sheikh M. would be a bother. And isn't there a terrorist called Khalid Sheikh Mohammad? Surely this is not an auction for a watch belonging to a terrorist?

2) I have the exact same GMT. Without the Arabic writing. Is there anything special about it or is it just another GMT. Let me know before I give it away to my nephew.