1970s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date gifted by Saddrudin Aga Khan

Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf in London, Rolex quickly became a leader in watchmaking, renowned for its innovations, such as the Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, and the Perpetual movement, which introduced self-winding technology. Famous collections like the Submariner, Daytona, and Datejust have solidified Rolex as a symbol of luxury and precision, worn by explorers, athletes, and professionals worldwide.

Over the years, Rolex has become synonymous with quality and reliability, often seen as a benchmark for fine watchmaking. The brand’s attention to detail and mastery of engineering have made Rolex watches highly coveted by collectors. Rolex has also been a pioneering force in the development of professional tools for specific activities, such as diving, aviation, and motorsports, establishing a legacy that endures to this day.

The Oyster Perpetual Date is one of the best and cleanest models produced by the firms. Its success made it one of the most sold models over the years. It is no surprise as this piece is perfectly balanced, reliable, sporty yet elegant and suitable for all occasions.

This very model however comes with a very special feature. It was offered, back the days, by Saddrudin Aga Khan, descendant of the Ismaili dinasty, which descends from Isma’il ibn Jafar, the eldest son of the sixth Shi’a Imam, Jafar al-Sadiq, and, as such, from the Islamic Prophet Muhammad.

Sadruddin Aga Khan (1933–2003) was a prominent diplomat, philanthropist, and environmentalist, born in Paris to the wealthy and influential Aga Khan family. Educated at Harvard, he served as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) from 1966 to 1977, becoming one of the youngest ever to hold the position. During his tenure, he played a key role in addressing major refugee crises in Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Known for his humanitarian efforts and commitment to global issues, he later focused on environmental conservation and interfaith dialogue, founding the Bellerive Foundation and supporting numerous ecological and cultural initiatives. Though considered as a possible successor to his father as Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, the title eventually went to his half-brother, Prince Karim Aga Khan. Sadruddin remained a respected international figure throughout his life, dedicated to peace, culture, and the environment.

This watch appears to be a gift to one of Saddrudin Aga Khan’s friends or relatives, being one of the few SAK Rolex to still be known, and bears the mention “From SAK” and the emblem of the diplomat.

Among the customized Rolex watches with provenance this is one of the rarest and most interesting configuration.