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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1998
    Reference No: 16519
    Case No: A936’376
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: 18K white gold, sodalite, diamond
    Calibre: Automatic cal. 4030, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Bissacco Castelfranco Veneto, wooden presentation box, green leather Rolex wallet, product literature and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Daytona Cosmograph is one of the most recognised and compelling timepieces available today. With a history stretching beyond the first Daytona released in 1963 to the pre-Daytona models of the 1950s, Rolex has continually sought to improve their performance, and adapt to changing social norms and desires. In 1988 Rolex thrilled the public at the Basel Fair by introducing the first self-winding chronograph model in its history. The newly launched reference 16520 was powered by a derivative of Zenith's El Primero caliber, though substantially modified by Rolex. It was the first Daytona to be equipped with a sapphire crystal and featured a new, larger case incorporating crown guards for the first time and measuring 39mm. The launch was an immediate success, and even today, wait lists for the self-winding Daytona remain years long.

    The reference 16519 was the white gold counterpart to the stainless steel 16520. The present example is fitted with a gorgeous, blue sodalite dial with diamond-set hour markers, and is a wonderful example of Rolex seeking new innovative and imaginative ways to bring a new aesthetic to the Cosmograph Daytona. A pre-cursor to the beloved “Beach” series from the early 2000s, reference 16519s with hardstone dials show that experimentation with color is an expressive part of the Rolex way.

    The present model is in remarkable, “new-old-stock” condition with a perfectly preserved case that retains its original factory case back sticker. The watch is paired with a matching blue crocodile strap adding to the overall appeal of the watch. The lot is accompanied by the original Rolex guarantee, and presentation box. The reference 16519 is a charming part of Rolex’s long and prestigious history, this a wonderful example.

    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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Σ38

Ref. 16519
A “new old stock”, very rare, and highly attractive white gold chronograph wristwatch with sodalite dial and diamond-set numerals, with guarantee and presentation box

1998
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

Estimate
$30,000 - 60,000 
CHF29,900-59,700
€28,800-57,500
HK$235,000-471,000
S$41,900-83,700

Sold for $113,400

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