Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1999
    Reference No: 16519
    Movement No: 174’428
    Case No: A492’182
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Delivered with a Rolex international service guarantee dated 13th July 2022.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is with no doubt an iconic timepiece and has been regarded by collectors as the must have chronograph wristwatch for all purposes due to its robustness and timeless appeal. While most of the attention has been with examples cased in stainless steel, over the years rare examples in gold cases featured vibrant gem-set dials and indexes combining practicality and luxury in a single case.

    In 1988 Rolex thrilled the public at the Basel Fair by introducing the first self-winding chronograph model in its history. The newly launched reference 16520 was powered by a derivative of Zenith's El Primero caliber, though substantially modified by Rolex.

    The present Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 16519 belongs to a rare variant cased in white gold with a bedazzled pavé diamond-set dial and ruby-set indexes. The reference also featured examples set with sapphire indexes and emerald-set indexes for yellow gold examples. These rare and sparkly dials have become increasing popular among collectors today due to its rarity and flamboyant appeal while bearing the same performance as its stainless steel counterparts.

    Offered in attractive overall condition with a flawless and original dial, the present Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 16519 from circa 1999 with an “A” serial belongs to one of the last examples before the reference was entirely discontinued making way for the ref. 116519. Recently serviced by Rolex, the present timepiece is a stunning example of the beautiful reference.

  • 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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Σ1023

Ref. 16519
A fine and rare white gold chronograph wristwatch with pavé diamond-set dial and ruby-set indexes

Circa 1999
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$400,000 - 630,000 
€47,600-74,900
$51,300-80,800

Sold for HK$478,800

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

28 - 29 November 2022 (Online Registration ends 27 Nov, 2pm HKT)