Politician Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum spotted wearing a Rolex

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, was recently photographed wearing a stainless steel Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265, a vintage chronograph spanning the 1970–1980 production era. The image captures the watch on his wrist in a formal portrait, where its cream dial with contrasting black chronograph subdials and polished steel bracelet are clearly visible. The Daytona 6265 represents one of the most enduring chapters in Rolex sports watch design, worn by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

The Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 houses a Valjoux 727A manual-wind chronograph calibre, delivering a 19,800 vph beat rate and approximately 48 hours of power reserve. The 37mm stainless steel oyster case features Rolex's characteristic screw-down crown and pushers, offering 100 metres of water resistance—adequate for daily wear but not diving. The dial presents a cream or white background with two black subdials at 3 and 9 o'clock for 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph functions, a 6 o'clock subsidiary dial for running seconds, and applied baton indices. The steel tachymetre bezel is graduated for speeds up to 200 km/h. This reference was produced across a decade of refinement, with minor variations in dial printing and hands distinguishing early from later examples.

Among vintage Daytona collectors, the Ref. 6265 occupies a privileged position between the earlier Ref. 6239 and the later Ref. 16520. Its manual-wind movement appeals to purists who value transparency and mechanical simplicity; it lacks the chronograph complications of the later Zenith-based references, making it lighter on the wrist and less battery-intensive over decades of storage. Examples with creamy tropical dials—where UV exposure has aged the dial from white to warm beige—command premiums. The steel construction ensures relative accessibility compared to gold or platinum variants, though all examples have appreciated substantially.

Al Maktoum's choice of a vintage Daytona 6265 reflects an appreciation for mechanical watchmaking heritage rather than contemporary luxury. The compact 37mm case suits formal dress and remains proportionate by modern standards, a quality that has revived collector interest in pre-1980s sports watches. The manual-wind Valjoux movement requires regular winding and servicing—a commitment many high-net-worth individuals embrace as part of horological stewardship.

Grey-market pricing for a well-maintained Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 in stainless steel ranges from $71,000 to $265,000 USD, depending on dial condition, originality of bracelet, and service history. Creamy tropical dials and early production examples with gilt indices command the upper range. Original retail price circa 1975 was approximately $3,000–$3,500. The reference remains a staple of specialist vintage dealers and auction houses, with consistent demand from collectors seeking entry into the Daytona lineage without the premium attached to the earlier 6239 or the complexity of modern references.