Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 2012 Reference No: 116509 Case No: V256225 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 205mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated May 08, 2012, product literature, tag, wallet, presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Introduced in 2000 alongside its stainless steel counterpart ref. 116520, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116509 features the upgraded and Rolex’s first ever in-house self-winding chronograph movement cal. 4130.
Hefty, steady and robust, the present Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116509 encased in 18K white gold with bracelet is certainly a luxurious touch to the renowned tool watch. The watch is furthermore preserved in near-pristine condition and is partially stickered to the case, clasp and caseback. The bracelet is in near-pristine condition as well. It is furthermore accompanied by its Rolex guarantee dated May 08, 2012, product literature, tag, wallet, presentation box and outer packaging.
Fitted with an attractive black dial with red accents and applied Arabic numerals, the dial is sporty and reflects the flying colors on the famous race track, Daytona circuit.
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.