Heir apparent to the infamous Cosmograph Daytona “Leopard” reference 116598 SACO, the 116598 TBR replaces the jungle-dwelling leopard with the largest of all living cats, the tiger (Panthera tigris). The beautiful tiger motif on the dial, rendered in diamond, gold cloisonné wire, and black lacquer, is augmented by an invisible-set diamond bezel totaling 4.58 carats and pavé diamond lugs. The overall effect is one of dazzling attractiveness, with the black-ringed gold subdials staring out of the tiger motif as if the tiger itself were gazing up at you. Not to be confused with the 116588 TBR offered only on an Oysterflex strap, the present 116598 on yellow gold bracelet was first introduced in 2021 quietly and only available to Rolex’s best clients.

Though now discontinued from Rolex’s off-catalogue offerings, the reference 116598 TBR was the most recent offering in a long line of lavish, fabulous, and audacious offerings in yellow gold for this reference. Our research shows that only four iterations of the 116598 were produced: SARO (pink sapphires and diamonds, pink sapphire and pave dial), SACO (cognac sapphires and diamonds, leopard print dial), TBR (the present diamond bezel and diamond indexes with tiger motif dial), and RBOW (rainbow sapphires and diamonds). All discontinued now, the present so-called “Eye of the Tiger” Cosmograph Daytona is an alluring prospect and one to convince even the most ardent gem-set nay-sayers.

Offered with its original guarantee and presentation box, it is beautifully preserved and offers a powerful presence on the wrist. Furthermore, the 116598TBR is a rare occurrence on the international auction market, having only been offered once previously.