On the 6th of December, Sotheby’s Important Watches auction will present an extraordinary historical treasure: a Rolex Day-Date from 1963, owned by Egypt’s former President Gamal Abdel Nasser.
This exclusive timepiece, with an estimated auction value of $30,000 to $60,000, emerges from private ownership for the first time, entrusted by Nasser’s grandson to the hands of the esteemed auction house. An icon in both form and legacy, this Rolex carries the weight of history, encapsulating moments of Egyptian pride, Arab unity, and a lifelong bond with fellow leader Anwar El Sadat.
President Nasser, Egypt’s second President and a formidable figure on the world stage, led the country from 1954 until his passing in 1970. Known for his relentless drive toward social justice, economic independence, and peace among Arab nations, Nasser implemented transformative public works, such as the Aswan High Dam—a project that reshaped Egypt’s future and solidified his place in history. This monumental project even saw the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York receive Egypt’s Temple of Dendur as a diplomatic gift in appreciation for U.S. contributions to safeguarding antiquities.
In a departure from his typical austerity, Nasser’s Rolex Day-Date stands out as a personal treasure. It was a gift from his trusted friend and successor, Anwar El Sadat, who would later become Egypt’s third President. This watch symbolises their deep friendship and mutual respect, marked by an Arabic inscription on its back reading, “Mr. Anwar El Sadat 26-9-1963.” This powerful, shared legacy between two leaders and allies is reflected in this Rolex “President,” a model known for its luxurious design and symbolic status as a choice of world leaders.
The Rolex Day-Date, introduced in 1956, was the first wristwatch to display both the day and date in full on the dial—a defining feature of its elite status. Made exclusively from precious metals, the Day-Date swiftly earned the nickname “Rolex President,” embodying prestige and exclusivity. Worn by dignitaries, industry titans, and celebrities, the watch’s legacy is amplified in this model, a gift passed from one statesman to another.
This Rolex Day-Date, however, represents more than luxury; it is an artifact of history, visible in photos of Nasser at pivotal moments. Through events like the Six-Day War and landmark diplomatic meetings aimed at Arab solidarity, this watch was a silent witness to Nasser’s unwavering vision for unity. The importance of this personal item in his life was reflected in a tradition passed through the generations. “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,” recalls Nasser’s grandson, Gamal Khalid Gamal Abdel Nasser.
Today, this Rolex is the only personal item of Nasser’s outside of museum collections, with most of his belongings donated to the Gamal Abdel Nasser Museum in Cairo. Its presence at the Sotheby’s auction marks a rare opportunity for collectors and history enthusiasts to acquire a tangible link to a defining figure in Middle Eastern history.
“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,” says 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 artefact for collectors and historians alike.”
This presidential Rolex, a symbol of friendship and legacy, carries an aura far beyond mere luxury, standing as a powerful artefact of resilience, leadership, and timeless connection. Sotheby’s auction on December 6 in New York will bring this watch—and its profound story—to a global audience, celebrating a legacy that continues to inspire.
