Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XX Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1994
    Reference No: 16589
    Movement No: 186'194
    Case No: W082519
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: 18K white gold, sapphires and sodalite
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated September 15, 2000 and product literature.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Excluding the mythical reference 6270 and 6269, Rolex hardly ever embellished their chronograph models with precious stones. Yet, with the introduction of the automatic Daytona, the manufacture gradually incorporated elaborate designs in its line of production due to changing tastes in the market. Produced by Zenith, the caliber 4030, or "El Primero", was the very first automatic chronograph movement in the world. Reference 16589 is most notably cased in white gold, which provides a subtle yet elegant twist to the technical sports watch.

    Fitted with a baguette sapphire-set bezel and a sodalite dial, the present watch combines Rolex's gift in gem-setting and creating beautiful movements. Known for its rigorous standards in quality, Rolex is particularly skilled at creating gem-set watches, whether it be a lavishly-set Day-Date or an eye-catching and striking SARU GMT.

    The case is preserved in excellent condition with a strong hallmark on the bottom of the lug. All gold marks remain present and crisp. The dial furthermore does not display any signs of cracking. It is furthermore accompanied by its Rolex guarantee dated September 15, 2000 and product literature.

  • 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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Ref. 16589
A rare and attractive white gold and sapphire-set chronograph wristwatch with sodalite dial and guarantee

Circa 1994
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 160,000 
€85,100-170,000
$93,000-186,000

Sold for CHF139,700

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88

tto@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XX

Geneva Auction 9 - 10 November 2024