A rare Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date once linked to the inner circle of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos is set to go under the hammer at the Magnificent September Auction 2025 of Leon Gallery in Makati City on September 13.
Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the timepiece bears Marcos’ engraved signature on its case back. According to Leon Gallery, the watch came from the private collection of a close confidant who played a key role in the planning of Martial Law from 1972 to 1981.
The piece has been associated with the so-called “Rolex 12,” a group of generals and advisers who were rumored to have received similar watches from Marcos as tokens of loyalty and influence. “The watch features the engraved signature of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, given to a trusted and loyal confidant during the time when the ‘Rolex 12’ became a symbol of power and inner-circle membership within the Marcos administration as the authors of Martial Law,” a write-up on Leon Gallery’s website explained.
While it does not come with an original box and papers, the watch will start at a bidding price of ₱900,000. Leon Gallery emphasized that beyond its luxury value, the timepiece stands as a “tangible piece of Philippine history, serving as a powerful and moving reminder of a complex and turbulent era.”
Also featured in the auction are historic and cultural treasures, including a first edition of José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere signed by the national hero (starting price: ₱4 million), and a 10th-13th century gold-hilted dagger from Butuan (starting price: ₱1.2 million).
Masterpieces by celebrated Filipino artists such as Elmer Borlongan, Jose Joya, Fernando Amorsolo, Anita Magsaysay-Ho, Arturo Luz, Ramon Orlina, and Vicente Manansala will also be offered to collectors and history enthusiasts.
