Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Condition Report

  • Description

    View our Conditions of Sale.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1990
    Reference No: 16520, inner caseback stamped “16500”
    Movement No: 33’298
    Case No: L688'075
    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 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp, stamped "78360" and "O11"
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Monetti & C. s.r.l., Roma dated July 1991, green card holder, 1990-1991 calendar, instruction manual, product literature, hang tag, service invoice dated 21st Apr 2021, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced in 1988, the Rolex reference 16520 marked a significant milestone in the history of the Daytona. It represented a departure from Rolex's tradition of using Valjoux manual movements, as they introduced the modified Zenith-based caliber 4030. The case was also increased to a modern 40mm size, and it was the first Daytona model to feature a sapphire crystal.

    The Rolex reference 16520 with an "L" serial is a rare specimen from the early series of Zenith Daytonas. The first half of the "L" series is characterized by a 4-Liner dial and a bezel insert marked for 200 units per hour. However, in the later production of the "L" series, the watch features an updated 5-Liner dial and is fitted with a bezel insert marked for 400 units per hour.

    This particular example belongs to the later series with five lines of text at the 12 o'clock position and serifs on the subsidiary dials. The 12-hour register features a highly sought-after "inverted 6" configuration. The bracelet is an early version without polished center links, which is correct for the period. The subsidiary dials have aged gracefully to a charming yellowish light brown tone, which complements the black dial. The combination of its unique features and rarity makes this 16520 a highly popular timepiece among collectors.

  • 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.

    View More Works

919

Ref. 16520, inner caseback stamped “16500”
A very attractive and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1990
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 400,000 
€23,900-47,900
$25,600-51,300

Place Advance Bid
Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024