Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XX Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 2002
    Reference No: 116520
    Case No: P538618
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona, "Cream Dial", "Panna Dial"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex punched Guarantee dated April 26, 2002, product literature, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced in the early 1960s with the reference 6239, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona emerged during a golden era for chronograph timepieces inspired by the world of auto racing. In 2000, Rolex unveiled the Cosmograph Daytona reference 116520, marking the introduction of the in-house self-winding chronograph calibre 4130. Examples with a white dial manufactured at the beginning of the production (between circa 2000 and 2002), like the present example, often exhibit the distinctive characteristic of naturally developing a "cream dial" due to the material's nature. The present specimen, bearing a P serial, belongs to this very early and collectible series of the reference.

    Offered in excellent overall condition, this "Panna Dial" (italian for "Cream Dial") showcases an ever so delicate and subtle color shifting. Highly sought after in today's market, this particular example of Cream Dial Rolex ref. 116520, complete with its original Rolex punched Guarantee, is a must-have for any dedicated Rolex collector.

  • 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.

    View More Works

194

Ref. 116520
A rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with Panna dial, bracelet, punched guarantee and presentation box

2002
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 
€21,300-42,600
$23,300-46,500

Sold for CHF35,560

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