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: 2012
    Reference No: 116'598RBOW, stamped 2118 inside the case back
    Movement No: C0'647'444
    Case No: 55C59670
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Rainbow"
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster, 682 78608, max length 190mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Flip lock
    Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex International Guarantee and Attestation de Chronomètre card dated August 7th, 2012, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    Beginning in the 2000s, Rolex began to truly innovate the aesthetic of the beloved Rolex Daytona by integrating color and precious gems into the design.

    Never before seen at auction in yellow gold, this Rolex reference 116'598RBOW was nicknamed “The Yellow Rainbow”. The black dial is set with yellow gold diamond hour markers and applied Arabic numerals, with three gorgeous subsidiary dials with a golden camouflage pattern, resembling gold nuggets. The highlight of this spectacular piece is the bezel skillfully adorned with baguette-cut sapphires accented with all of the colors of the rainbow. Round brilliant-cut diamonds accentuate the lugs, to which is attached a yellow gold Oyster bracelet that remains in virtually mint condition.

    Sold at the prestigious Zurich-based retailer Chronometrie Beyer, in 2012, the present watch retains crisp hallmarks on the lugs, and all the sharp edges as it left the factory. This fresh to the market watch in close to unworn condition is offeref with the original box, guarantee, and booklets.

    Few wristwatches made during the most recent years have so quickly gained a cult following like the "Rainbow" Daytona by Rolex. Given its extraordinary rarity, it is often not even available to those willing to pay the price, as there is simply no supply. Consequently, this first owner watch should appeal to not only the most seasoned collectors, but also, the ultimate taste makers of modern times.

  • 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

Δ303

Ref. 116'598RBOW, stamped 2118 inside the case back
An extremely rare and highly attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with sapphire-set "rainbow" bezel, diamond-set lugs, and crown guards and bracelet

2012
39mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF90,000 - 140,000 

Sold for CHF161,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

Geneva Watch Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 7 & 8 November 2015 6:30pm