Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2006 Reference No: 116528 Case No: D501'624 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 250mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped "78498" Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated October 11, 2006, green card holder, hang tag, outer packaging and fitted presentation box
Catalogue Essay
The present Rolex reference 116528 was the first Cosmograph Daytona in yellow gold to feature the new self-winding movement calibre 4130 developed in-house in the year 2000.
Succeeding to the famed “Zenith” Daytona reference 16528 powered by the robust Zenith El Primero based cal. 4030, the present watch carries much of the same aesthetic as its predecessor. Made of solid 18K yellow gold, the watch stands out by its hefty weight and the warmness of its gold. Although part of the standard design of the Cosmograph Daytona collection, the dial of the reference 116528 has just the right amount of details to raise a smile - in some cases, even accompanied by a awe - on the lips of any discerning watch aficionado. Indeed, its matt black dial with champagne counters is suddenly awaken by a scarlet red chronograph hand and outer divisions. The juxtaposition of colours creates a playful contrast and gives the watch all the magnitude it deserves. Furthermore, it is preserved in excellent condition and the green factory sticker is still present on the case back.
Originally developed to record speed of race cars on the racetrack, the present watch demystifies the sports tool watch and brings it to the ivy league of luxury timepieces. If you enjoy sports but, let’s be honest, prefer to watch it from the comfort of a box or a courtside seat, look no further this watch is for you.
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.