Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII Hong Kong Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2020
    Reference No: 116578SACO
    Case No: 104R2235
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped by a Japanese retailer dated 27th January 2020, instruction manual, green card holder, hang tag, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Bedazzled timepieces may not always be everyone’s cup of tea, but behind its connotation, dedicated collectors recognize them as works of art, such as the present lot. Introduced in 2019, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116578SACO encased in yellow gold features a lustrous mother-of-pearl dial set with diamond indexes. With its bezel set with 36 baguette-cut orange sapphires, the contrast between the sunset-hued gem-setting against its pearly white dial is eclectic in the sense that it transcends an immediately recognizable appeal.

    Although the ref. 116578 SACO is not the first Daytona model to feature a baguette-cut orange sapphire set bezel, the first was the ref. 116598 SACO Leopard launched in 2004. While Rolex is synonymous for its innovative approach to incorporating natural gems and hardstones to their timepieces, gem-set Daytona’s first appeared in the mid-80s via the refs. 6269 and 6270. Since then, the firm has incorporated much more than its regular diamond setting but utilizing precious gemstones such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds. Produced in small quantities depending on its configuration, the gem-setting process requires tremendous skills and a tedious procedure where each gemstone featured on the bezel is cut specifically to its fit. Utilizing the highest quality of gemstones, each stone has to be sorted individually to ensure the highest level of consistency in spectrum, hue and uniformity in general.

    The present example Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116578 SACO from circa 2020 is offered in “like new” overall condition and is complete with its full set of accessories. Not only is this example well-preserved, but certainly rare in the wild with a low output in production and highly demanded by collectors today. With the ever-growing desire for gem-set timepieces in the market today, what was neglected in the past is now cherished and appreciated for its outstanding craftsmanship and rarity. A great timepiece to acquire for the charismatic collector of unusual and bedazzled timepieces.

  • 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. 116578SACO
A very fine, attractive and rare yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with mother-of-pearl dial, diamond-set indexes, orange sapphire-set bezel, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2020
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$550,000 - 1,200,000 
€61,000-133,000
$70,500-154,000

Sold for HK$2,646,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Hong Kong Auctions 25-26 November 2021