1029
Rolex
Ref. 116568
Cosmograph Daytona
A rare, early and attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with baguette diamond-set bezel, diamond-set indexes and bracelet
- Estimate
- HK$480,000 - 960,000€57,500 - 115,000$61,500 - 123,000
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 2000
- Reference No
- 116568
- Movement No
- 0’002’513
- Case No
- P589’899, inside caseback stamped “16500”
- Model Name
- Cosmograph Daytona
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped “78498” max length 185mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “78498”
- Dimensions
- 40mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Rolex service guarantee dated 5th June 2006 and associated presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 2000s and exuberance in design, the present reference 116568 is not only an early P series example fitted with the new Rolex caliber 4130, but also adorned with a beautiful baguette-cut diamonds studded bezel, adding to its attraction, the chronograph also features an extremely rare configuration with the elusive black dial with diamond-set hour markers. Cased in the warmth of yellow gold, the ebony black dial in contrast with the sparkling diamonds-set bezel strikes a perfect balance and is extremely sophisticated. Rarely resurfacing to the market, the present early example offered in extremely well-preserved condition. Discontinued and no longer in production, this exceptional bejeweled timepiece is a stunning addition to one’s collection.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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.