On September 13, coinciding with the 68th birthday of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Leon Gallery in Makati City will stage its much-anticipated “Magnificent September Auction 2025,” featuring a historically significant timepiece that harks back to the regime of his father, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
The gallery has described the item, listed as Lot 28–a number divisible by the late president’s favorite numeral 7, as “a rare and historically important Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, crafted in 18k yellow gold.”
In response to emailed questions from Context.Ph, Leon Gallery director Jaime Ponce de Leon said the timepiece was part of the personal collection of a close confidant of the late president, “who was within the circles of power of the period.”
He said the Rolex’s provenance had been verified by Leon Gallery experts in watches and timepieces. “However, we cannot reveal the name [of the owner], as agreed with the consignor,” he added.
This distinguished wristwatch, the gallery noted, features the iconic fluted bezel, a champagne dial with applied baton hour markers, and the trademark Day-Date functions: a day window at 12 o’clock and a date display with Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock. It also comes fitted with the renowned President bracelet—originally designed for this model and often associated with power and prestige.
What sets this piece apart, however, is its provenance.
According to Leon Gallery’s write-up, “What makes this particular specimen of great historical significance is the inscription on its case back. 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.”
The so-called “Rolex 12” was a group of key military and civilian figures who played pivotal roles during the declaration and enforcement of Martial Law in early 1970s. Each member is said to have received similar Rolex timepieces as tokens of loyalty and shared authority.
Historical accounts often cite that the influential group included two civilians and ten military officers. Among them were then Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile and businessman Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco. The military contingent included then-Philippine Constabulary Chief (and future President) Fidel Ramos, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Romeo Espino, Gen. Fabian Ver, Army Chief Maj. Gen. Rafael Zagala, Army Intelligence Head Maj. Gen. Ignacio Paz, Air Force Maj. Gen. Jose Rancudo, Navy Rear Adm. Hilario Ruiz, Brig. Gen. Tomas Diaz, Brig. Gen. Alfredo Montoya of the Metropolitan Command, and Col. Romeo Gatan, then-commander of the Philippine Constabulary in Tarlac.
Though the current owner of the Rolex has not been publicly identified, Leon Gallery has listed its starting bid at P900,000—a figure expected to rise depending on interest during the auction.
Ponce de Leon declined to speculate on the price that the Rolex might fetch. “The auction results will serve as the measure of the watch’s value, since it is a great example of perfect competition,” he said.
Leon Gallery underscored the historical weight of the item: “This watch is not just a luxury item, but a tangible piece of Philippine history—a powerful and poignant reminder of a complex and turbulent era. It symbolizes a time of sweeping political and social transformation, a period both controversial and undeniably pivotal in the nation’s narrative.”
“For the discerning collector of historical artifacts or horological masterpieces,” the gallery added, “this Rolex Day-Date presents a rare opportunity to own a relic of the Marcos years—a treasure that speaks volumes about the personalities and politics that shaped an era.”
Lifestyle
Leon Gallery to auction rare Rolex linked to Marcos-era group
TAGS: Leon Gallery, September Auction, Rolex 12
On September 13, coinciding with the 68th birthday of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Leon Gallery in Makati City will stage its much-anticipated “Magnificent September Auction 2025,” featuring a historically significant timepiece that harks back to the regime of his father, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
The gallery has described the item, listed as Lot 28–a number divisible by the late president’s favorite numeral 7, as “a rare and historically important Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, crafted in 18k yellow gold.”
In response to emailed questions from Context.Ph, Leon Gallery director Jaime Ponce de Leon said the timepiece was part of the personal collection of a close confidant of the late president, “who was within the circles of power of the period.”
He said the Rolex’s provenance had been verified by Leon Gallery experts in watches and timepieces. “However, we cannot reveal the name [of the owner], as agreed with the consignor,” he added.
This distinguished wristwatch, the gallery noted, features the iconic fluted bezel, a champagne dial with applied baton hour markers, and the trademark Day-Date functions: a day window at 12 o’clock and a date display with Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock. It also comes fitted with the renowned President bracelet—originally designed for this model and often associated with power and prestige.
What sets this piece apart, however, is its provenance.
According to Leon Gallery’s write-up, “What makes this particular specimen of great historical significance is the inscription on its case back. 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.”
The so-called “Rolex 12” was a group of key military and civilian figures who played pivotal roles during the declaration and enforcement of Martial Law in early 1970s. Each member is said to have received similar Rolex timepieces as tokens of loyalty and shared authority.
Historical accounts often cite that the influential group included two civilians and ten military officers. Among them were then Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile and businessman Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco. The military contingent included then-Philippine Constabulary Chief (and future President) Fidel Ramos, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Romeo Espino, Gen. Fabian Ver, Army Chief Maj. Gen. Rafael Zagala, Army Intelligence Head Maj. Gen. Ignacio Paz, Air Force Maj. Gen. Jose Rancudo, Navy Rear Adm. Hilario Ruiz, Brig. Gen. Tomas Diaz, Brig. Gen. Alfredo Montoya of the Metropolitan Command, and Col. Romeo Gatan, then-commander of the Philippine Constabulary in Tarlac.
Though the current owner of the Rolex has not been publicly identified, Leon Gallery has listed its starting bid at P900,000—a figure expected to rise depending on interest during the auction.
Ponce de Leon declined to speculate on the price that the Rolex might fetch. “The auction results will serve as the measure of the watch’s value, since it is a great example of perfect competition,” he said.
Leon Gallery underscored the historical weight of the item: “This watch is not just a luxury item, but a tangible piece of Philippine history—a powerful and poignant reminder of a complex and turbulent era. It symbolizes a time of sweeping political and social transformation, a period both controversial and undeniably pivotal in the nation’s narrative.”
“For the discerning collector of historical artifacts or horological masterpieces,” the gallery added, “this Rolex Day-Date presents a rare opportunity to own a relic of the Marcos years—a treasure that speaks volumes about the personalities and politics that shaped an era.”
