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 2000
    Reference No: 116519
    Case No: P’490’700
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona “Beach”
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Lizard
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    In the early 2000s, Rolex made one of its most playful and unconventional forays into the Cosmograph Daytona lineup - unveiling the vibrantly colorful Daytona “Beach" series. Initially comprising just four lively dial variations, these watches represented a stark departure from the typically restrained and monochromatic sports models Rolex was known for.

    The Daytona “Beach” models were initially met with both surprise and skepticism from the watch community. Their bold, vivid color schemes ranging from red to orange to green stood out against the predominant brushed steel and white dials of previous Daytona references. Some viewed these watches as a passing fad that was too fashion-forward and vibrant for Rolex's conservative roots.

    However, in the two decades since their release, the Daytona “Beach” has been wholly re-appraised as undisputed icons of modern Rolex style. Their playful and summery aesthetic was years ahead of its time. This pioneering spirit of fun and modernity paved the way for later hits like the bold "Rainbow" Daytona.

    The present ref. 116519 offered here with a "P" serial number encapsulates a pristine yellow mother-of-pearl dial Daytona “Beach”, representing one of the very first sold following the editions' 2000 launch. For collectors, this exceptionally well-preserved example represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the avant-garde chronographs that has already stood the test of time and been rightfully regarded as an icon.

  • 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

Σ938

Ref. 116519
A rare, unusual and highly attractive white gold chronograph wristwatch with yellow mother-of-pearl dial

Circa 2000
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$180,000 - 300,000 
€21,500-35,900
$23,100-38,500

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