Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XI Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1998
    Reference No: 16520
    Movement No: 144'518
    Case No: U329471
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped "803B" and "78390A" to the endlinks, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped "78390" and "DT11"
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex punched Guarantee stamped by Taiwan retailer Yung Dah Watch Co., service invoice dated May 17, 2004, green card holder, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    The 165xx series of timepieces marks the inception of an automatic movement in the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1988 and in production until circa 2000 , the models are powered by a Zenith El Primero ébauche modified by Rolex. 

    The arrival of this model is what prompted for the first time collectors to “discover” the Cosmograph Daytona as a collectible timepiece; Zenith’s supply of movement was slow, thus making this model the first Daytona to present a waiting list for clients. 

    The relative scarcity of the model combined with historical importance, looks and practicality have made the series highly coveted by collectors and the Zenith Daytona is now considered a true milestone for Rolex both under a technical point of view and under a design point of view as well; the subsidiary dials with contrasting chapter rings - still in use today - made in fact their inception with these models.

    Offered in excellent condition and complete with its original Guarantee, the present timepiece is an enticing offer for the enthusiast as well as for the most serious of collectors.

  • 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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181

Ref. 16520
A fine and outstandingly well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Guarantee and box

Circa 1998
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€13,900-23,200
$16,400-27,300

Sold for CHF32,500

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XI

Geneva Auction 27 - 28 June 2020