Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2005 Reference No: 116598 SARO Movement No: C 0186233 Case No: D804713 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Material: 18K yellow gold and diamond and pink sapphire-set Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Rolex pink leather strap Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped "24640" and "MA" Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, clasp and strap signed
Catalogue Essay
Dazzling at first sight, the present Rolex Cosmograph Daytona will impress anyone with its striking gem-set looks. While ref. 116598 is mostly known for the "Leopard", as the present example shows it comprises of different - and much rarer - variations as well. Extremely hard to come by, it is believed that non-Leopard versions of the model were only offered to the most prestigious clients of the firm.
Adorned with 36 baguette-cut pink sapphires set uniformly on the bezel with grace, the technical prowess with rigorous standard in quality is a sight to behold. The hoods between the lugs are also embellished with brilliant rows of diamonds. Encapsulated among these opulent decorations, the dial is further fitted with an iced-out diamond-set dial with 8 beautiful hour markers set in rubies with yellow gold surrounds. While most examples of the reference in yellow gold featured gold chronographic registers, the present example features a silver register dial. Analysis of the (few) pieces that surfaced on the market indicates that this version was indeed originally fitted with silver-colored subsidiary dials, most likely a style decision on Rolex part motivated by a better overall chromatic result.
Thanks to their scarcity, statement power and undeniable good looks, monochrome gem-set Rolex Daytona models have become incredibly collectible. The present pink sapphire configuration distinguishes itself for its rarity even within this group of already scarce models. In fact, only 3 other examples are known from the public market.
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.
