Bao Dai and His Replica Rolex Icons
History remembers Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam, as inextricably linked to a singular horological masterpiece: the dazzling, diamond-encrusted Rolex Reference 6062 triple date moonphase. Yet, a remarkable discovery by historian Nick Gould has unveiled a second, equally fascinating chapter in the emperor’s relationship with the crown logo. A photograph, captured in exile on the French Riviera, reveals Bao Dai wearing a replica Rolex Submariner – a revelation that reshapes our understanding of both the man and the watch.
The photograph, attributed to Edward Quinn and dated to either 1953 or 1955, shows Bao Dai in a relaxed moment in Cannes. Far removed from the imperial trappings of Huế, he wears the Submariner on his left wrist, secured by a robust Oyster bracelet. Supporting video evidence from the same period confirms his presence on the Riviera. While the photographer’s archives suggest 1953, aligning intriguingly with the copy Rolex Submariner‘s debut year, the precise date remains a subject for horological detectives. Regardless, this image firmly establishes the Submariner as another significant Rolex icon within the emperor’s collection.
Born in 1913, Bao Dai ascended the Vietnamese throne at the tender age of twelve, reigning under French colonial oversight until his abdication in 1945. By the 1950s, his world had contracted to the sun-drenched shores of the Côte d’Azur. Known for his patronage of luxury – grand yachts, fine automobiles, and exquisite watches – his taste reached its zenith with the Reference 6062, a moonphase marvel adorned with diamond markers that would later command $5.1 million at auction. This watch was a relic of vanished imperial splendor.
The Submariner, however, whispered a different narrative. Introduced in 1953, it represented a paradigm shift: a robust, utilitarian instrument built for the depths, featuring a water-resistant case and luminous dial for legibility underwater. By 1955, it was already evolving into a symbol of adventurous elegance. The Submariner on Bao Dai’s wrist, though its specific reference (possibly a 6204 or 6205) is obscured by the photograph’s limitations, speaks volumes. It suggests a shift towards practicality, a watch suited to the rhythms of his new, less formal life. Remarkably, almost from its inception, the Submariner transcended its tool-watch origins, captivating even a deposed emperor.
The contrast between Bao Dai’s two Rolexes is profound. The Reference 6062, with its intricate complications and opulent diamond-set dial, was a jewel reflecting his imperial past. The Submariner, defined by its rugged functionality and understated design, mirrored his existence in Cannes – a blend of inherent sophistication and adopted simplicity. Together, they map the trajectory of his life: from absolute monarch to an exile navigating a world stripped of power, yet still discerning in his choices. They represent the remarkable breadth of Rolex’s appeal, spanning the extremes of lavish ornamentation and pure utility.
This discovery significantly enriches the Submariner’s early history. If the photograph dates to 1953, it positions Bao Dai as one of the very first adopters of this revolutionary dive watch. Even if from 1955, it captures a crucial moment in the model’s ascent, worn by a figure of immense historical stature during his own period of transition. For enthusiasts, it’s a compelling revelation: even in exile, Bao Dai’s wrist remained a stage for fake Rolex’s defining creations, showcasing both the pinnacle of dress watch complexity and the dawn of the iconic sports watch.
It stands as testament to Rolex’s enduring power to captivate diverse lives. From the pressures of the ocean deep to the sunlit shores of exile, its legendary journey began with discerning pioneers like Emperor Bao Dai. Discoveries like Gould’s remind us that horological history remains alive, constantly offering fresh glimpses into the intricate dance between watches and the remarkable individuals who wore them.
