Rolex GMT-Master “U.A.E. Quraysh Hawk” Ref. 1675/8

The Rolex GMT-Master stands among the most culturally resonant tool-watches of the modern era, conceived for international travel and adopted by pilots and professionals whose lives moved across time zones. Within that broader story, a handful of special-order dials produced for Gulf states in the 1970s occupy a distinctly museum-grade niche, often associated with official presentation to senior figures, aviation circles, and diplomatic elites.

This Ref. 1675/8, produced circa 1972, represents one of the most elusive configurations: an 18kt yellow-gold GMT-Master paired with a brown “nipple” dial bearing the raised U.A.E. Quraysh Hawk emblem. The combination of precious-metal case, sovereign insignia, and period-correct components places it in the top tier of GMT-Master collecting, where rarity is defined not only by reference but by dial provenance and intended destination. Authenticity is supported by the period English hallmarks on the caseback (RWC LTD) and the matching 18kt riveted Oyster bracelet, details that serious collectors expect to see on correct examples. In today’s market, comparable-condition pieces are seldom available.