Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 2000
    Reference No: 16520
    Movement No: 207'760
    Case No: P'187'507
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "P Series"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex twinlock folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex punched guarantee dated September 23, 2001 and wallet.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 16520 is among Rolex's most innovative models to date. Housing a heavily modified Zenith-based caliber 4030 mechanism, the model was fitted with the first automatic chronograph movement in the firm's history. At the time of launch in 1988, the watch immediately became a cult classic and garnered an immediate waiting list at Rolex retailers.

    The present example is known as the "P Series". Produced in one of the last years of the reference's manufacture period, it is today one of the most sought-after variants of reference 16520, marking the end of an era for that model.

    This particular watch is preserved in unpolished and unspoiled condition, featuring sharp factory finishes to the top of the lugs. In virtually "Like New" condition, it features its original factory sticker on the caseback. The watch is even accompanied by its original punched guarantee, having been retailed in Leon, Spain on 23rd September 2001. The guarantee is furthermore punched with the correct country code, 150, for Spain.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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169

Ref. 16520
A rare and extremely well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and guarantee

2000
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 15,000 
€8,600-12,900
$10,600-15,900

Sold for CHF47,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018