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.
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.
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.
