The Jaeger-LeCoultre “Gift of the King” is an unusual Saudi Arabia dial watch associated with the reign of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz. The example examined here combines a 31 mm 18k white-and-yellow-gold case, a turquoise stone dial, a diamond-set bezel and an integrated precious-metal bracelet with a signed quartz movement.
Catawiki describes this particular watch as part of a special series commissioned by King Fahd, although surviving auction records show that this model also appeared in slightly different configurations during the 1980s. Its combination of royal insignia, precious materials and documented reference number makes it particularly interesting for collectors of special-order and middle eastern watches.
Design
The Jaeger-LeCoultre “Gift of the King” follows the proportions of a compact high-jewelry wristwatch, with the present example measuring 31 mm in diameter. Its round case combines 18k yellow and white gold, with predominantly polished surfaces that complement the precious-metal construction. The integrated architecture creates a smooth transition from the case into the bracelet, without conventional projecting lugs.
A continuous setting of natural brilliant-cut diamonds forms the fixed bezel and closely frames the dial. At the center is the watch’s most distinctive visual element: a vivid natural turquoise stone dial. Its minimalist layout uses slender applied gold-tone baton hour markers and 2 fine central hands for hours and minutes. At 12 o’clock, the Saudi Arabian national emblem, a palm tree positioned above 2 crossed swords, provides the defining feature of this special configuration.
The dial stands out from other documented examples of this reference. A Sotheby‘s example from around 1985 featured a blue lacquer dial and an all-yellow gold construction, confirming the existence of several versions within the same reference.
Protecting the dial is a clear crystal, although its exact material is not documented in the available specifications. The integrated woven bracelet continues the jewelry-oriented construction of the case. On this example, alternating 18k yellow and white-gold elements create a fine geometric pattern and a subtle two-tone contrast, while the absence of conventional lugs reinforces the continuous appearance of the case and bracelet.
Case & Construction
The case of this Jaeger-LeCoultre “Gift of the King” is constructed from 18k yellow and white gold and measures 31 mm in diameter. Its thickness is not officially documented; based on the proportions of the watch, approximately 5-6 mm can be considered a reasonable estimate. The lug-to-lug measurement is likewise estimated at approximately 34 mm. Because the woven gold bracelet is integrated directly into the case, there is no conventional lug width.
The fixed bezel is set with natural diamonds and forms an integral part of the compact precious-metal construction. Documentation for another “Gift of the King” sold through Sotheby’s describes a caseback secured by three screws and an integral woven gold bracelet with clasp, although individual construction details may vary between executions of the reference.
The crystal material and water-resistance rating of the present example are not specified in the available documentation and should therefore not be assumed. The small crown at 3 o’clock provides access to the basic time-setting function, while the absence of chronograph pushers or additional controls reflects the watch’s simple two-hand quartz configuration.
Movement
Inside the Jaeger-LeCoultre “Gift of the King” is a signed Jaeger-LeCoultre quartz movement. Both the current listing on Catawiki and the example of this model independently documented by Sotheby’s identify the movement simply as quartz; Sotheby’s also confirms that the movement in the example in its possession is signed. No reliable source examined for this article provides a specific caliber number, jewel count or manufacturer-stated accuracy specification for the movement.
As a quartz watch, its timekeeping is regulated electronically rather than through the balance-and-escapement architecture of a conventional mechanical caliber. A battery supplies electrical energy to the quartz regulating system, allowing a compact movement architecture particularly well suited to thin dress and luxury watches.
The choice also reflects an important period in Swiss watchmaking. During the 1980s, quartz technology was not restricted to inexpensive watches; major Swiss maisons used it in precious-metal models where compact dimensions, convenient ownership and accurate timekeeping were important. In this model, the movement remains deliberately secondary to the case, dial, bracelet and special Saudi insignia. Without movement photographs or manufacturer archive documentation for this specific example, assigning it a more precise Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber designation would be speculative.
Functions & Complications
This Jaeger-LeCoultre “Gift of the King” is fundamentally a time-only watch. The visible configuration provides central hours and minutes through 2 slender hands, without a date aperture, chronograph, additional sub-dials or other indications.
Its simplicity is consistent with the jewelry-watch format: the dial is left largely unobstructed so that the turquoise surface, gold markers and Saudi emblem remain visually prominent. There are no conventional horological complications documented for this example. The diamond setting, natural-stone dial and Saudi insignia are decorative and contextual characteristics rather than complications in the technical watchmaking sense.
Performance
With its compact 31 mm case, estimated thickness of approximately 5-6 mm and estimated lug-to-lug measurement of around 34 mm, the Jaeger-LeCoultre “Gift of the King” has discreet proportions by contemporary standards. The integrated woven gold bracelet eliminates conventional lugs and creates a direct transition from the case to the wrist, while also helping distribute the weight of the precious-metal construction. Despite the extensive use of 18k gold and diamonds, the relatively small dimensions should give the watch a refined and unobtrusive presence.
Legibility is straightforward thanks to the simple two-hand display, with slender gold-tone hands and applied baton markers contrasting clearly against the turquoise stone dial. There is no documented luminous material, so visibility in low-light conditions is naturally limited. The quartz movement provides the convenience and low-maintenance timekeeping expected from a battery-powered watch, although condition and appropriate servicing remain important for an example of this age.
In practical terms, this model is best approached as a precious jewelry and collectible watch rather than a robust everyday timepiece. The natural-stone dial, diamond-set bezel and 18k gold construction require careful handling, while no verified water-resistance rating is available. Its appeal therefore extends beyond wearability to the unusual combination of Jaeger-LeCoultre craftsmanship, precious materials, Saudi insignia and documented auction history.
Technical Data
Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre Watches;
Model: Jaeger-LeCoultre “Gift of the King” / Saudi Arabia Dial (Ref. 100.067.9);
Year: 1990;
Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold and White Gold with Natural Diamond-Set Bezel;
Case Diameter: 31 mm;
Case Thickness: ~5-6 mm (estimated);
Lug Width: Integrated Bracelet (No Conventional Lug Width);
Lug-to-Lug: ~34 mm (estimated);
Crystal: Not Documented – Mineral Crystal (estimated);
Water Resistance: Not Documented – ~30 m / 100 ft (3 ATM, estimated);
Battery Life: Not Documented – ~24-36 months (estimated);
Movement: Quartz Watches, signed Jaeger-LeCoultre (Swiss Movement);
Functions: Hours, Minutes;
Complications: None;
Dial: Natural Turquoise Stone with Saudi Arabia Insignia;
Bracelet / Strap: Integrated 18k Yellow and White-Gold Woven Bracelet (~21 cm maximum length);
Type: Collectible Watches, Dress Watches, Luxury Watches, Minimalist Watches, Special Edition Watches, Vintage Watches;
Sex: Unisex Watches;
Nationality: Swiss Watches.
Retail Price (Launch): Not Publicly Available / Special-Order Royal Commission.
The significance of the Jaeger-LeCoultre “Gift of the King” comes primarily from its Saudi insignia and its association with the period of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, who ruled Saudi Arabia from 1982 to 2005. The palm tree and crossed swords displayed at 12 o’clock are the official emblem of the Kingdom, giving the dial an unmistakable institutional identity.
Catawiki attributes the present turquoise-dial example to a special commission by King Fahd, while other auction records establish as a genuine Jaeger-LeCoultre Saudi Arabia dial reference from the mid-1980s. Its appeal therefore rests on a rare combination of documented reference, royal-era symbolism, quartz-era Swiss watchmaking and high-jewelry construction.
You can explore current auctions and listings for this watch on Catawiki using the search link below.
