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846

Rolex

Ref. 116588TBR

Cosmograph Daytona “Eye of the Tiger”

A very exclusive, striking and "like-new" yellow gold and diamond-set chronograph wristwatch with guarantee and presentation box

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In the 1980s, Rolex began introducing gem-set variations of their sports watches to cater to their more adventurous clientele. Among the earliest gem-set sports watches were the manual wound Daytona references 6269 and 6270. These models sparked a new trend for gem-set timepieces, and Rolex continued to incorporate gemstones into their prestigious watch lines, experimenting with various combinations of gemstones, cuts, settings, and designs over the years. These gem-set Rolex watches are often produced in very limited quantities and with meticulous attention to quality and craftsmanship. Examples may include large baguette-cut bezels, pavé diamond dials, and the use of emeralds, rubies, or colored sapphires. These off-catalogue pieces are highly sought after by collectors due to their exclusivity and exceptional execution.

At first glance, the dial of the present example is strikingly attractive, reminiscent of a tiger gazing at you. Rolex has cleverly incorporated their design elements to create a tiger face, with the two chronograph registers representing the "eyes" of the tiger. The dial features a symmetrical tiger pattern formed by a combination of champagne color and black lacquer. The champagne pattern is further adorned with pavé-set diamonds throughout, a luxurious touch that exemplifies Rolex's commitment to exclusivity. In place of the usual Cerachrom ceramic bezel found in their Oysterflex models, this watch features 34 trapeze-cut diamonds, all invisibly set and closely stacked next to each other. The invisible setting technique is considered one of the most challenging in watchmaking, requiring utmost precision of the slots and cuts.

Today, rare and special gem-set Daytona models, including the present example, are highly sought after in the market. Preserved in "like-new" overall condition, this watch is accompanied with its original guarantee and presentation box. Acquiring such a timepiece presents a unique opportunity to own a truly special and exclusive timepiece that makes a bold statement on the wrist.

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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