Rolex - The New York Watch Auction: SIX New York Saturday, June 11, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 2021
    Reference No: 116503
    Case No: S20S4874
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Factory Error"
    Material: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, stamped ROA
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Rolex international guarantee card dated December 27th 2021, warranty booklet, instruction manual, leather wallet, hang tag, medallion, 2 extra links, fitted presentation box, outer box and packaging, original purchase receipt, and printed e-mail correspondence with Rolex U.S.A. confirming the authenticity of the dial.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Just as the reference 116500 replaced the 116520 in 2016, so did the 116503 replace the reference 116523, though both still feature the Rolex in-house caliber 4130. Notable aesthetic differences are present on the graphic display of the tachymeter scale on the bezel, as well as the architecture of the lugs and bracelet.

    At first, one may see this reference 116503, in Rolex’s proprietary yellow gold alloy and stainless steel, as just your typical modern two-tone Cosmograph Daytona. Fitted with a white dial, it is an elegant moderator between day-to-day utility and chic statement piece. Furthermore, this example is as new, purchased on the last days of 2021, and offered with all its original accessories.

    But there is one more characteristic to notice – the lack of the standard red “Daytona” logo above the 60-second counter at 6 o’clock. The present lot comes from the original owner, who purchased this reference 116503 from an authorized dealer, and didn’t realize that something was missing on the dial until he had returned home with his new Daytona. Upon realizing that his Daytona was in fact, Daytona-less, he contacted Rolex to confirm the authenticity of the watch – which was provided. Realizing that such a “mistake” is in fact, an exceptional and collectible error – a quality control oversight from the Rolex factory that now renders this standard 116503 likely unique. It adds an element of restraint to the design of the dial that is in fact, quite attractive.

    PROPERTY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER

  • 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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Ref. 116503
An unusual, possibly unique, and brand-new yellow gold and stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, factory error dial, original guarantee, and presentation box

2021
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

Estimate
$10,000 - 20,000 
CHF10,000-19,900
€9,600-19,200
HK$78,500-157,000
S$14,000-27,900

Sold for $63,000

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: SIX

New York Auction 11-12 June 2022