IWC Yacht-Club II in Steel and Yellow gold Oman Green Khanjar Linen Dial ref. 4512 from Original Owner Family

The International Watch Company (IWC) was founded in 1868 by the American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. His ambitious vision was to combine advanced American manufacturing techniques with the legendary craftsmanship of Swiss watchmaking, harnessing the hydropower of the nearby Rhine River to power his manufacture.

Introduced in the late 1970s, the IWC Yacht Club II represented the brand’s interpretation of the emerging luxury integrated sports watch. Succeeding the original Yacht Club of 1967 and developed alongside the Gérald Genta-designed Ingenieur SL, it offered a softer, more refined take on the angular sports-watch aesthetic that defined the era.

Offered here is the ref. 4512, executed in stainless steel and 18k yellow gold. Its compact 29 mm case features a broad octagonal bezel with polished bevels, while the beautifully integrated H-link bracelet in stainless steel and 18k yellow gold completes the design. The bracelet remains in lovely condition and currently fits wrists up to 16 cm.

But the real highlight is the dial & provenance!

The champagne-coloured dial features crisp black printing, elegant applied baton hour markers, a date aperture at 3 o’clock, warm cream-coloured tritium plots and — most importantly — a highly desirable green Khanjar emblem positioned at 9 o’clock.

What is a Khanjar, and why does it appear on a watch dial?

The Khanjar is the national emblem of the Sultanate of Oman. Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who ruled Oman from 1970 to 2020, was renowned for commissioning exclusive watches bearing the emblem of the crossed swords and Khanjar dagger. These timepieces were ordered from leading Swiss manufactures and presented as gifts to senior government officials, trusted advisers, military officers and distinguished foreign dignitaries.

Watches bearing the Omani Khanjar are exceptionally rare, and this example comes with particularly fascinating provenance. We acquired it directly from the heirs of a former Tunisian minister, whose wife received the watch as a personal gift from Sultan Qaboos. At the same time, we also acquired an equally intriguing Omega bearing the emblem of the State of Qatar from the same family.

Out of respect for the family’s privacy, and in accordance with their wishes, we will not disclose any names or personal details. What we can say, however, is that throughout our conversations with the family, it became abundantly clear how deeply admired and respected their father and grandfather was.

The quartz movement has been fully inspected by our watchmaker, fitted with a fresh battery and is running exactly as it should, ready to be enjoyed for many years to come.

More than a beautifully preserved IWC, this Yacht Club II carries a remarkable story. With its rare Khanjar dial, elegant two-tone execution and direct provenance from the original owner’s family, it represents a truly special opportunity for the discerning collector.

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Specifications:

• IWC Yacht Club 2 reference 4512

• 29mm steel and 18 k gold case, waterproof ”fish” signed crown

• Serial 227xxxx, dating to the end of the 1970’s

• Super rare Linen dial in Champagne colour with green Khanjar Emblem

• Gerald Genta designed

• Gold octagonal bezel

• First owners provenance

• Quartz driven movement

• Original IWC steel H-link semi-integrated bracelet in steel and gold

• Fully checked by our watchmaker, fresh battery fitted

• One-year mechanical warrantee

• Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping