Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2019 Reference No: 116500LN Movement No: 38'718'6V5 Case No: 5T7559L2 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Montecristo Jewellers, Canada dated 5th August 2019, instruction manual, product literature, hang tag, 2 additional links, green card holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Launched to instant acclaim in 2016, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116500LN succeeded the beloved ref. 116520. It retains the robust cal. 4130 movement of its predecessor, yet breaks new ground as the first Daytona in stainless steel to feature Rolex's innovative Cerachrom bezel. Initially released in two dial variations, the white "Panda" dial creates an eye-catching contrast against the black subdials and Cerachrom bezel that has made it highly coveted. With its growing cult status, the ref. 116500LN remains one of Rolex's most difficult models to acquire directly from retailers, with extremely long wait lists.
Recently discontinued in 2023 and replaced by the new ref. 126500LN, the present example of the iconic Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116500LN "Panda" is offered complete with its original guarantee and accessories. It will undoubtedly delight collectors seeking this landmark Cosmograph Daytona reference in excellent condition.
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.