Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1988
    Reference No: 16520 stamped 16500 inside caseback
    Movement No: 11'522
    Case No: R911'936
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "The Flawless R"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster, stamped 78360, end links stamped 503, max length 210mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Rolex presentation box, a blank Rolex guarantee, product literature and the thematic auction red presentation case
    Provenance: Christie's, Rolex Daytona Lesson ONE, Geneva, November 10, 2013, Lot 36

  • Provenance

    Christie's, Rolex Daytona Lesson ONE, Geneva, November 10, 2013, Lot 36

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Daytona reference 16520 marked an important turning point for Rolex as it was the first self-winding chronograph introduced in the brand’s history. Incorporating a sapphire crystal for the first time and a larger case, this reference was equipped with a brand new automatic movement based on the famed Zenith El Primero - substantially modified by Rolex. Launched in 1988, this new Daytona was an instant success, resulting in unprecedented demand that would require clients to have to wait as long as seven years to purchase one. Without a doubt, the 16520 elevated the Daytona to its current mythical status. The dial is exceptional, with the ‘Cosmograph’ designation floating beneath the four lines of text at 12 o’clock. Bearing the earliest “R” serial number, this Daytona is also correctly fitted with the highly sought after, first generation stainless steel ‘200’ graduation bezel. Preserved in exceptional condition, it is a “must-have” for the discerning Daytona collector.

  • 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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Δ135

Ref. 16520 stamped 16500 inside caseback
A rare and very attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial, bracelet and certificate

1988
39mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 50,000 
€23,000-45,900
$25,800-51,500

Sold for CHF62,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016