製造商: Rolex 年份: Circa 1989 型號: 16520 機芯編號: 1'822'382 錶殼號碼: R'787'019 型號名稱: Cosmograph Daytona 材料: Stainless steel 機芯: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels 錶帶/ 錶鏈: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, stamped 78360, endlinks stamped 503, max length 205mm 錶扣: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 78360 and M6 尺寸: 40mm Diameter 簽名: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed 配件: Accompanied by Rolex Guarantee dated June 15th, 1993 and stamped Maison Fontan, Bordeaux. Further accompanied by Rolex service guarantee dated June 17th, 2022, service invoice, leather wallet, product literature, presentation box and outer packaging.
圖錄文章
In celebration of the Daytona’s 25th anniversary, Rolex released its first self-winding chronograph model, the reference 16520, at Baselworld 1988. Technically impressive, it was powered by the automatic Zenith El Primero calibre, which was substantially modified by Rolex. Over the years, this milestone timepiece has become a collectors’ favorite, with grail examples such as the early and rare “R” series chronographs like the present watch.
Indeed, while reference 16520’s popularity has increased dramatically in the past years, few automatic Cosmograph Daytonas are as beloved as the first-generation models ‘R Series’. As opposed to later white dial 16520s that feature a more matte appearance, these early examples feature a lacquered, glossy surface, a so-called “porcelain” dial. The black graphics is printed on top of the dial, giving it a three-dimensional effect. Furthermore, the Cosmograph script sets further apart from the first four lines of text, as if floating in the middle of the dial. Of particular note is the “inverted 6” on the 6 o’clock subsidiary register, highly appreciated by collectors today. The reference 16520 was the first Daytona to be fitted with a sapphire crystal, and with a larger case diameter measuring 40 mm, which was equipped with the rare 200 graduation bezel. Later examples would have a bezel calibrated to 400 units.
One of the most iconic and cherished wristwatches by collectors today, the Cosmograph Daytona distinguished itself for its classic design, durability, and iconic appeal. The present lot is a rare opportunity to own an early example complete with its full set of accessories including a correct satin finished bracelet and preserved in honest and good overall condition.
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.
