Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: TWO Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2015 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1988
    Reference No: 16528, stamped 16500 inside the caseback
    Movement No: 10148
    Case No: R833'394
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona, "4-Liner Diamond Jelly"
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster, stamped 78668, max. length 240mm, endlinks stamped 103
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39 mm. Diameter
    Signed: Movement, dial, case and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Rolex punched guarantee dated 1989, service guarantee, product literature and red leather wallet

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1988, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the first Cosmograph Daytona model, Rolex launched the first self-winding chronograph in its history. The watch housed the Rolex caliber 4030, based on Zenith’s El Primero movement with substantial modifications performed by Rolex. Fitted with a sapphire crystal for the first time, the Daytona’s case size was increased to 39 millimeters to house the new movement.

    The present example reference 16528 features an early and highly desirable 4-liner enamel-coated dial, referred to by collectors as “the porcelain dial”, adorned with yellow gold diamond hour markers. Bearing an "R" serial number, this attractive Daytona is correctly fitted with the highly sought after, first generation 18k yellow gold ‘200’ graduation bezel.

    To date, only two other examples are known, making this watch extremely rare and desirable. Accompanied by the original Rolex guarantee, this opportunity does not come around often and is sure to satisfy the most discerning collectors of Rolex sport watches.

  • 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.

    View More Works

199

Ref. 16528, stamped 16500 inside the caseback
An extremely rare and attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, "4-liner" diamond-set porcelain dial and original guarantee

1988
39 mm. Diameter
Movement, dial, case and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 50,000 

Sold for CHF68,750

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

Geneva Watch Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 7 & 8 November 2015 6:30pm