Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1995
    Reference No: 16568
    Movement No: 93'581
    Case No: W123'735
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: 18K yellow gold and diamonds
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 205mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex twinlock folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by punched Rolex Guarantee dated 11 April, 2005, service papers and invoice dated June 20, 2014, product literature and polishing cloth.

  • Catalogue Essay

    From humble beginnings to the ultimate in horological decadence, the Daytona has lived many different lives, ultimately proving itself one of the most versatile watch designs ever imagined. No one can deny the watch looks just as good on the racetrack as it does on the sandy beaches of Mosquito Island.

    Excluding the mythical reference 6270 and 6269, Rolex hardly ever embellished their chronograph models with precious stones. This changed with the introduction of the automatic Daytona housing the famed Zenith El-Primero movement, that was heavily modified by Rolex.

    The present reference 16568 is a superb example of Rolex’s design prowess of balancing decadence with simplicity. Even though this Daytona is cased in gold and studded with diamonds, it remains somewhat restrained as all elements fit together with a wonderful sense of sophistication.

    The hour indexes on the dial are set with square cut diamonds whereas the bezel is set with baguette cut diamonds. The striking bezel has fixed heavy gold bars in line with the diamond set hour markers, acting as an hour chapter.

    In overall excellent condition and retaining strong case proportions, the present Daytona still comes with its original punched guarantee paper.
    A modern classic with cult status, the reference 16568 appeals not only thanks to its overall good looks and highly coveted caliber 4030, but also for its rarity.

  • 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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140

Ref. 16568
A very rare and attractive yellow gold and diamond-set chronograph wristwatch with bracelet

1995
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000 
€44,000-88,000
$51,200-102,000

Sold for CHF87,500

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

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018