Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 2005 Reference No: 116589, stamped 2119 on caseback Movement No: C0221856 Case No: D802'351 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Material: 18k white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold twin lock deployant clasp, stamped 24650 Dimensions: 41 mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Since the 1980s, Rolex produced a line of diamond embellished Daytona models.
Exclusively targeting their most elite clientele, reference 116589 is not only a true status symbol, but also elegantly crafted to perfection. The white gold case is well preserved and features a baguette diamond bezel, wonderfully accenting the gold applied diamond hour markers. The hour and minute hands have a black stripe in the middle, elegantly harmonizing with the black dial. Fitted with a black strap and white gold deployant buckle, this watch gives a typically sporty Rolex model a modern, lavish twist.
Still retaining the green Rolex sticker on the caseback, this watch is in superb condition, and sure to please the most discerning Daytona collectors.
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.