817
Rolex
Ref. 116588SACO
Cosmograph Daytona
A “like-new”, striking and very rare yellow gold and orange sapphire-set chronograph wristwatch with diamond-set indexes, guarantee and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
- Offered by the original owner in like-new condition
- The case has developed a fine layer of patina
- Ultra rare orange sapphires on the bezel
- Full set of accessories
- Auction debut for this configuration
Adorned with 36 orange sapphires on the bezel, the present example features a black dial with diamond-set hour markers and chronograph subdials finished in a glittering gold tone to heighten contrast and visual impact. Sourcing the world’s highest quality gems requires immense effort as every stone is individually examined for cut, clarity and most importantly, uniform color before being specifically cut to fit the bezel. This painstaking process results in extremely low production numbers for all Rolex gem-set models, with rainbow-coloured sapphire-set configurations being the most difficult to execute.
Today, ultra rare gem-set Daytonas are among the most sought-after watches in the market. This example is offered directly by the original owner and has been kept unworn and untouched since its original purchase, as evidenced by the factory sticker remaining intact on the caseback. Furthermore, a fine layer of patina on the case serves as defining proof that the watch was preserved in a safe for many years. Marking the international auction debut for this reference 116588SACO configuration, Phillips is honored to present this extraordinary timepiece to the auction room.
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.