Rolex - START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs Geneva Friday, May 13, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1989
    Reference No: 16520, stamped 16500 inside caseback
    Case No: L346’241
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rolex stainless steel Oyster bracelet, stamped 78360, end links stamped 503B, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: The present watch is accompanied by the original Rolex guarantee indicating the watch was sold at Wempe in New York.
    Literature: Different versions of this model are illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pg. 532-567.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1988, to mark the 25th anniversary of the introduction
of the first Cosmograph Daytona, Rolex launched the first self-winding chronograph in its history. The watch housed the Rolex caliber 4030, based on Zenith’s El Primero movement with substantial modifications performed by Rolex. Fitted with a sapphire crystal for the first time, the Daytona’s case size was increased to 39 millimeters to house the new movement.

    The present example features an early and highly desirable enamel-coated dial, referred to by collectors as “the porcelain dial”. Bearing an “L” serial number, this Daytona is correctly fitted with the highly sought after, first generation stainless steel ‘200’ graduation bezel. It is impossible for the condition of this watch to go unnoticed. It is presented in close to mint condition, still retaining the green Rolex sticker on the caseback.

    To date, few examples are known, making this watch extremely rare and desirable. The present watch is accompanied by the original Rolex guarantee signifying it was purchased at the prestigious retailer, Wempe, in New York City. Such a complete and immaculate watch is an opportunity that does not come around often, and is sure to satisfy the most discerning collectors of Rolex sport watches.

  • 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.

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Ref. 16520, stamped 16500 inside caseback
A very rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with porcelain dial, bracelet and original guarantee.

1989
39mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 

Sold for CHF57,500

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs

Geneva Auction 14 May 2016