Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2018 Reference No: 11659912SA Case No: 678309F1 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Material: 18K white gold, diamond and sapphire Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex Oyster deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated 27th June 2018 stamped Hausmann Condotti s.r.l., hang tags, green card holder, plastic bezel protector, outer packaging and presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona first appeared on the market in the 1960s and have since become arguably one of the most iconic timepieces in the world. Traditionally manufactured in stainless steel, the Daytona was also available in gold cases as well as rare examples with gem-setting from the 1980s. However, serially produced examples truly appeared on the scene when Rolex launched the Zenith El Primero based caliber ref. 16500 series.
Gem setting has always been a major part of the production of Rolex timepieces, providing an extravagant option to cater towards the diversified trend of the late 20th century. Furthermore, gem setting is more than just a form of accessorizing a timepiece, but the talented artistry and craftsmanship behind each individual hand-set bedazzled timepieces. With each gemstone requiring specific techniques and methods to execute cutting, polishing and setting, these natural gemstones all have an alternating natural compound giving each gemstone a varying hardness.
The present Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 11659912SA features an 18K white gold case set with baguette-cut diamonds and sapphires on the bezel, diamond-set endlinks with a full pavé-set diamond dial with blue enamel Arabic numerals.
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.