Rolex, Cartier among 300 gifts in MEA’s Toshakhana e-auction

The Ministry of External Affairs has put nearly 300 gifts received by Indian government functionaries from foreign dignitaries up for e-auction. The collection includes luxury watches, jewellery, antiques and souvenirs, with bidding open to resident Indians until June 30

New Delhi: From a Rolex Yacht Master II luxury watch to a prized jewellery set from Kuwait by the Al Arbash brand, a set of about 300 articles received by functionaries of the government of India from foreign dignitaries, is up for an e-auction.

The auction is being organised by the Ministry of External Affairs’ Toshakhana — the repository of gift items, including gifts, souvenirs, and other ceremonial items received in India or abroad by the government functionaries from foreign sources.

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The auction, which began on June 8, will end on June 30, according to information available on its official e-auction portal. Bidding can be done for a whole array of items across different categories, such as accessories, jewellery, cosmetics, crockery, porcelain, silver, perfume, among others.

These include a Rolex Yacht Master II watch with a base price of Rs 16,52,360; a Cartier watch (Santos Dumont collection) with a base price of Rs 5,02,360; and an antique silver cigarette box with a base price of Rs 12,030, according to the portal.

According to a note available via the portal, interested Indian citizens can register on the e-auction portal and bid for their shortlisted items. Registration is open to resident Indians only and the items auctioned will be delivered only within the country.

The MEA has custody of Toshakhana for the purpose of deposit of gifts received in India or abroad by government functionaries from foreign sources. This e-auction portal is exclusively for the auctioning of gift items available in Toshakhana, it says.

“In compliance with revised Toshakhana Rules, 2024, the first round of e-auction is being conducted by Toshakhana for the sale of gift items received by the Government of India functionaries from foreign dignitaries,” the notice says.

The items offered for auction are primarily heritage, souvenir, commemorative, decorative, collectible, or ceremonial items and may not necessarily be intended for functional, commercial, or operational use, it adds.

Bidders shall exercise their own independent judgment, due diligence, and assessment regarding the nature, condition, authenticity, utility, and suitability of the items before participating in the auction process, the notice said.

Every item added for e-auction has a brief background note attached to it. For the Cartier watch, it reads, “Up for auction is this Cartier watch from the iconic Santos Dumont collection. This timepiece is a symbol of elegance and innovation, combining timeless design with modern functionality.” Featuring a sleek stainless steel case, this timepiece exudes sophistication and durability, making it suitable for both formal occasions and everyday wear.

“The classic square shape, inspired by the pioneering aviator Alberto Santos Dumont, pays tribute to the aviation heritage of the watch while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic. Powered by a precise quartz movement, the Cartier Santos Dumont watch ensures reliable timekeeping,” it adds.

For the exceptional Rolex Yacht Master II, its note describes it as a “masterpiece of nautical engineering and luxury watchmaking”. Designed specifically for competitive sailing, the Yacht Master II stands as “one of Rolex’s most innovative and technically sophisticated timepieces”.

“Crafted in durable Oystersteel, the 44 mm case is complemented by the iconic Oyster bracelet, offering both robustness and refined elegance. The watch features a striking blue Cerachrom bezel and a highly legible dial, embodying Rolex’s signature blend of functionality and style,” it adds.

Also, up for auction is a jewellery set (base price Rs 9,52,360) from Kuwait by the Al Arbash brand, founded by brothers Abdulamir and Hussain Al Arbash. The set includes a necklace, bracelet, and earrings, carrying with it a long family story rooted in craft, patience, and tradition.

And, among other items, an antique silver cigarette box, described as “an exceptional example of fine metal craftsmanship, originally designed as a high-end cigar or cigarette container”.

The exterior shows a natural, dark patina that comes with age, while the interior remains bright and reflective, highlighting the quality of the silver used. The design of the lid features a detailed hand-engraved scene, it says.