ROLEX, STAINLESS STEEL 'AIR-KING', REF. 5500, MADE FOR PRINCE KHALIFA...

CIRCA: 1989
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
CASE DIAMETER: 33 mm.
BRACELET MATERIAL: Stainless steel
BRACELET SIZE: Approx. 180 mm. overall length
DIAL: Silvered, with Bahrain Coat of Arms and signature of Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa
MOVEMENT: Automatic
FUNCTIONS: Time only
BOX: Yes
PAPERS: No
WITH: Commemorative medal and presentation box
REMARK: Made for Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa

Lot Essay
These so-called 'Arab dial' watches, which were made on special commission for governments and notable royals to mark important events or diplomatic milestones, were never made available to the general public through retail channels. Rather, they were made in extremely small quantities and were usually given as gifts to officials, politicians, or close friends.

Gulf royals began to customize these timepieces by adding their signatures, crests, or national symbols. Some of these watches eventually made their way into the secondary and vintage markets after being sold or transferred by their original owners.