Sotheby’s is honored to present a significant piece of history: a 1963 Rolex Day-Date watch that once belonged to Gamal Abdel Nasser, the former President of Egypt and a pivotal figure in Middle Eastern history. This notable timepiece, offered by his grandson for the first time, will be available at Sotheby’s Important Watches auction in New York on December 6, with an estimated value of $30,000 to $60,000.

A Gift of Friendship and Leadership

Gamal Abdel Nasser, who became Egypt’s second president in 1954, is celebrated for his dedication to social justice, his efforts to promote Arab unity, and landmark achievements like the Aswan High Dam, which provided Egypt with lasting economic and environmental benefits. Known for his profound connection to the Egyptian people, Nasser avoided materialism. However, this Rolex Day-Date stands out as a rare, treasured gift from his lifelong friend and successor, Anwar El Sadat. Engraved on the watch’s back is an Arabic inscription: “Mr. Anwar El Sadat 26-9-1963,” symbolizing their strong bond.

Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date is the brand’s flagship model, crafted exclusively in precious metals and known as the “Rolex President” for its association with influential leaders and cultural icons. This watch is more than a luxury timepiece; it is a symbol of friendship, respect, and legacy.

A Witness to History

This Rolex Day-Date, deeply meaningful to Nasser, accompanied him during significant moments of his presidency, including the Six-Day War and crucial diplomatic meetings. After Nasser’s passing in 1970, the watch was passed down through generations, with his grandson Gamal Khalid Gamal Abdel Nasser recalling:

“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.”

Following Nasser’s passing, his family donated many of his possessions to his namesake museum in Cairo, making this Rolex Day-Date his only privately held possession outside a museum collection.

A Unique Presidential Legacy

Sotheby’s is thrilled to bring this remarkable timepiece to the public, offering an artifact rich with history, friendship, and legacy. Rarely do such presidential watches emerge from private collections, often preserved in museums or family archives. This auction is a unique opportunity for collectors and historians to acquire a genuine piece of Middle Eastern heritage that embodies the leadership and enduring legacy of Gamal Abdel Nasser.