Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1989
    Reference No: 16520
    Movement No: 18’970
    Case No: L346’457; inside caseback stamped “16500”
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped“78360”, endlinks stamped “503”, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “N9”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Bruderli Gstaad dated 4th May 1990, Rolex service guarantee, instruction manual, product literature, leather holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Since the milestone of the firm’s very first model to feature a self-winding caliber based on the famous Zenith El Primero movement released in 1988, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 16520 has enjoyed tremendous success for over a decade of nothing else but soaring demand and praise. With Rolex’s rigors in developing innovations and advancements, the reference was discontinued in 2000 to make way for Rolex’s first ever in-house chronograph calibre 4130 with the reference 116520.

    Growing in demand, the Cosmograph Daytona’s evergreen modern design has garnered the attention from vintage collectors all around the globe, and have become on the most sought after sports watch. Produced in circa 1989, the present example bearing an L serial is from the rare and coveted early examples of Zenith Daytona. The first half of the production of the “L” series houses a 4-Liner dial with a MK I 200 units per hour bezel insert, followed by a very short run of MK II bezel like the present example, where the bezel was modified with a scale for 400, 250 and 225 indication, and “units per hour” has been relocated to 1 o’clock position. Adding attraction to this incredibly well-preserved example is the feature of an inverted 6 on the 12-hour register, making this one of the most desirable combination from the series. Offered by the original owner and preserved in stunning condition boasting a strong case, the present early specimen is charmed with its original guarantee and presentation box, making this a highly collectable chronograph from the era.

  • 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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Property from the Original Owner

914

Ref. 16520
A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1989
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$260,000 - 520,000 
€33,100-66,300
$33,300-66,700

Sold for HK$1,045,800

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia 
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022