Gamal Abdel Nasser's watch: A treasure story that sparks a passion for luxury collectibles

In November 2025, the world will witness a unique event when Gamal Abdel Nasser’s iconic watch is put up for auction by the prestigious Philips auction house in Geneva, Switzerland, becoming the focus of attention among collectors, enthusiasts, and museums worldwide.

It is not just a luxury item reflecting the leader’s taste, but a living political document that tells the story of the deep friendship between Egypt and the Gulf, and embodies a golden period of bilateral relations that shaped the course of the Arab region.

Who gave the watch? A story of Egyptian-Gulf friendship. In the late 1950s, Sheikh Fahad Al-Salem Al-Sabah , then Prime Minister of Kuwait (who became King in 1965), gifted this precious watch to Gamal Abdel Nasser as an expression of deep respect and appreciation for his role as an Arab leader.

Watch specifications: Rolex Day-Date in rare rose gold Style and materials The rare and unique Rolex Day-Date Reference 6511 in 18k rose gold, the iconic model that was introduced in 1956 and became the focus of attention for world leaders and influential figures.

Rose gold in particular was a noble choice reflecting refined taste and supreme elegance, and was known to be a favorite of rulers and leaders.

Mechanism and accuracy The Gamal Abdel Nasser watch is powered by a first-generation Rolex automatic mechanical movement (Calibre 1055), and is characterized by exceptional accuracy and high reliability, making it the first choice for heads of state and presidents around the world.

Appearance and Design The watch features an exceptionally finely polished dial (face), and classic Indian numerals that reflect luxury and sophistication.

Its classic design reflects the 1960s style, characterized by refined taste and respect for tradition, with a full day-date display at the top of the clock.

Size and bracelet The watch has a diameter of 36 mm, making it suitable for everyday wear while maintaining sophistication. The original strap is made of premium leather with a gold-plated buckle, reflecting the classic elegance standards of the period.

The title of President and its historical significance Day-Date watches are nicknamed the President's watch because Rolex designed the unique President Bracelet, which has become a global symbol of power, influence, and prestige.

The bracelet, with its distinctive semi-circular links, became almost as famous as the watch itself; its ownership by a legendary Arab leader made it a true symbol of power in the Middle East.

What distinguishes this watch from any other Rolex Day-Date is the special engraving on the back of the case in Arabic that reads: "A gift to President Gamal Abdel Nasser from Fahd Al-Salem Al-Sabah," which transforms this piece from a mere luxury watch into a fully documented historical record.

The original case number 134'660 confirms the authenticity of the watch, and all original seals on the case, dial and internal movement are intact and preserved in exceptional condition.

A journey through generations: A family legacy that reflects history Gamal Abdel Nasser wore this luxurious pink watch on sensitive diplomatic occasions and crucial historical occasions in the course of Egypt and the Arab world.

She was a silent witness to years filled with historical developments: the 1967 setback, the War of Attrition, diplomatic consultations with Arab leaders and foreign countries, crucial Arab meetings, and decisions that changed the course of the entire region.

In the late 1960s, Gamal Abdel Nasser decided to gift this clock of profound historical value to Salah El-Desouky Shishtawy, the Egyptian Olympic champion who won bronze medals in three different fencing disciplines across four world championships, and competed in the 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games.

Recognizing his achievements not only in sports, but also in his national service as Governor of Cairo Governorate, Egyptian Ambassador and International Leader.

The watch remained in Al-Desouki’s possession throughout his life, preserved as a testament to the leader’s friendship and appreciation for the loyal sons of the nation.

After Al-Desouki’s death in 2011, his grandson inherited this rare piece as a precious family heirloom and a symbol of national pride and ancient Egyptian history.

The grandson kept the watch for years, realizing that it was not just a luxury timepiece but a living historical document that told the story of diplomatic relations and trust between leaders and ordinary citizens who dedicated their lives to the nation, and the bridge of love and respect that connected the Egyptian leadership and the people.

In October 2025, Al-Desouki’s grandson decided to take a bold, historic step: to put this rare piece up for auction at the prestigious Philips auction house, giving the whole world the opportunity to own a piece of modern Arab history and to begin a new chapter in the journey of this iconic watch.

The decision reflects the grandson's understanding that history should be celebrated globally, that this clock deserves to be seen and appreciated by millions around the world, and to become a witness to a golden era in the history of Egypt and the Arab world.

Auction: Phillips Geneva, November 2025 The watch will be offered at Philips' "Decade One" auction (celebrating ten distinguished years of auctions of luxury and rare watches), held in Geneva, Switzerland on November 8-9, 2025.

Geneva, the capital of diplomacy and global luxury, is considered the true capital of auctions for luxury and rare watches for deep historical, economic and cultural reasons.

The auction has a central theme: Rolex, lineage, and power, meaning it focuses on watches owned by leaders, kings, and chieftains, which tell stories of power, influence, and impact, and which put Gamal Abdel Nasser’s watch in its natural and appropriate place.

Initial estimate: Philips estimates the watch at between 25,000 and 50,000 Swiss francs (approximately US$30,000 to US$62,000).

However, experts and observers strongly expect the watch to significantly exceed these estimates during the actual auction, given the watch's exceptional historical importance and huge global demand for it.

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