Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1988
    Reference No: 16520 caseback stamped 16500
    Movement No: 11'608
    Case No: R'782'863
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 503, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Rolex presentation box.
    Literature: For another example of a reference 16520 with black dial and suspended logo, please see The Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, pages 256 and 257.

  • Catalogue Essay

    For the Daytona's 25th anniversary, Rolex surprised the public at the 1988 Basel fair by introducing the first self winding chronograph model in its history. The newly launched reference 16520 was powered by a derivative of Zenith's El Primero calibre, substantially modified by Rolex. It was the first Daytona to be equipped with a sapphire crystal and a new larger diameter of 39mm.

    The launch of the 16520 was an immediate 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.

    This watch is part of the famous 'R' series from the 1st year of production in 1988. The watch is also fitted with the highly sought after black glossy dial featuring the floating "Cosmograph" signature. It also retains its original calibrated bezel graduated to 200 units per hour.

  • 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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170

Ref. 16520 caseback stamped 16500
A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with suspended logo, bracelet and fitted presentation box

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

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€12,900-21,600
$15,500-25,800

Sold for CHF46,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017