188
Rolex
Ref. 116598RBOW
Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow
A like-new, partially stickered, and incredibly beautiful yellow gold gem-set automatic chronograph wristwatch with “rainbow” sapphire-set bezel, “rainbow” sapphire-set hour markers, bracelet, guarantee, and box
Full-Cataloguing
• Like-new, partially stickered, and complete set
• Consigned by the original owner
• First appearance at auction at the time of cataloging for this reference in yellow gold with rainbow sapphire hour markers
The first gem-set Daytona chronographs appeared during the 1980s with the legendary references 6269 and 6270, yet it was during the early 2000s that Rolex began to push the aesthetic boundaries of its celebrated sports chronograph with increasing confidence. Introduced in 2012, the reference 116598RBOW was among the most daring introductions: an 18K yellow gold Cosmograph Daytona framed by a spectacular spectrum of multicolored sapphires. Produced only in exceedingly small numbers, these first-generation “Rainbow” Daytonas were discontinued after only a few years and have since become some of the most coveted modern watches produced by Rolex.
The present watch is set with 36 baguette-cut sapphires that graduate seamlessly around the bezel, progressing through vivid shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. Each sapphire is individually selected for its purity, saturation, and ability to transition harmoniously into the stones on either side. Every stone is then precisely cut to fit the bezel without the use of visible prongs, allowing the individual sapphires to blend into one continuous spectrum. A further 56 brilliant-cut diamonds illuminate the lugs and crown guards, underscoring Rolex’s remarkable command of both gemology and secure setting.
Further distinguishing the present watch from other yellow gold examples of the reference is its exceptionally rare black lacquer dial with rainbow-hued sapphire hour markers. Most known yellow gold examples feature diamond-set indexes; here, the graduated colors of the bezel continue across the dial itself, creating a more visually unified and exuberant composition. The deeply saturated sapphires contrast dramatically against the glossy black dial, while the yellow gold case, hands, registers, and Oyster bracelet lend the watch a warmth and richness entirely distinct from the more commonly seen Everose version.
Due to the considerable difficulty involved in sourcing gemstones of the necessary quality, color, and consistency—and subsequently cutting and setting them to Rolex’s exacting standards—production of the Rainbow Daytona remains extraordinarily limited. Even among this already rare family, the present sapphire-indexed yellow gold configuration is seldom ever seen. At the time of cataloging, it is the first example of a reference 116598RBOW in yellow gold with rainbow sapphire-set hour markers ever to appear publicly at auction.
Consigned by the original owner in virtually unworn condition, the present watch offers collectors an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the rarest and most captivating executions of the Rainbow Daytona.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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.