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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch

Rolex Day-Date Reference 18078 with Green Khanjar Emblem

Partially verified

This Rolex Day-Date, reference 18078, is an 18k yellow gold wristwatch produced in 1980. The champagne-coloured dial features a printed green Omani Khanjar and royal crown, a crest signifying ceremonial heritage in Oman. The watch includes a railroad minute track, cream-coloured lume plots, and an English-language day disc. Powered by a single quick-set movement, the timepiece is encased in a 36mm yellow gold case with a sapphire crystal. The case back features an engraved Khanjar emblem. The auction description reports that the watch has been checked and regulated, and notes its association with bespoke commissions historically supplied through Asprey of New Bond Street.

A Rolex Day-Date 18078 featuring a green Khanjar emblem on a champagne dial with a bark-finished case and bracelet, shown on a wrist.
A Rolex Day-Date 18078 featuring a green Khanjar emblem on a champagne dial with a bark-finished case and bracelet, shown on a wrist. — Bulang & Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bulangandsons.com
Category
Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
18078
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1980
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
626xxxx

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Features

The watch is housed in an 18k yellow gold case measuring 36mm in diameter and fitted with a sapphire crystal. The bezel features a factory-applied "bark" finish, a textured motif designed to imitate the grain of tree bark. A matching bark-finished President bracelet, reference 8723, is attached to the case, featuring solid end links and a concealed clasp.

The champagne-coloured dial is marked by a printed green Omani Khanjar and crown signature on its left side. The dial also includes a railroad minute track and cream-coloured lume plots. An English-language day disc is present at the 12 o'clock position, while a date window is located at 3 o'clock under a cyclops lens.

Evidence for this section
  • “distinguished by its hand-finished “bark” decoration — a textured motif applied to both the bezel and President bracelet”
  • “exceptionally rare green Omani Khanjar and crown signature printed on the left side of the dial”
  • “36mm yellow gold case with sapphire crystal”

History and Provenance

During the 1970s and later, Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said commissioned timepieces bearing this crest for presentation to diplomats, military officials, and members of his circle.

Many such special-order pieces were provided through Asprey of New Bond Street in London, which served as the Sultan's preferred jeweller. The watch retains a sharp engraving of the Khanjar on its case back, indicating its status within these historical commissions.

Evidence for this section
  • “Many of these bespoke commissions were supplied through Asprey of New Bond Street, London”
  • “r engraved on the case back”
  • “representing heritage, honour, and national pride”

Condition and Mechanical Status

The auction description reports that the 18k gold case remains in outstanding condition. The watch is equipped with a single quick-set movement, which allows for the independent adjustment of the date.

The vendor states that the timepiece has been checked and regulated by their watchmaker and is described as being in a ready-to-use condition. The bracelet is noted to fit wrists up to approximately 18.5 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “18k gold case remains in outstanding condition”
  • “Fully checked and regulated by our watchmaker”
  • “comfortably fits wrists up to approximately 18.5 cm”

Open research questions

  • Can the specific original recipient or issuing department of this watch be identified via the serial number?
  • Does the case back engraving match the style and depth of other verified Asprey-supplied Khanjar-dial watches?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Day-Date Reference 18078 with Green Khanjar Emblem
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference18078“Rolex Day-Date Reference 18078”
Serial Number626xxxx“Serial 626xxxx dating to 1980”
Material18k yellow gold“yellow gold case”
Bracelet Reference8723“ref. 8723”
MovementSingle quick-set“Single quickset movement”
Case Size36mm“36mm yellow gold case”
CrystalSapphire“sapphire crystal”

Visible details

  • Textured "bark" finish on both bezel and central bracelet links
  • Green Omani Khanjar and crown emblem printed on the dial
  • Cyclops lens over the date aperture
  • English language day display

Research qualifications

  • The exact chain of ownership beyond the mention of Asprey commissions is not documented
  • The specific history of this individual watch's commission remains unverified

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی رولکس Rolex Day-Date رفرنس 18078 با نشان خنجر عمان و پرداخت بارک

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record e88f7063f4

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other day-date wristwatch records