Rolex - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 2008
    Reference No: 116520
    Case No: M444218, M444216, case interior 2100
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped EO 78490, max overall length
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped PJ1 and 78490
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Rolex guarantee dated July 24, 2008, and stamped Alfonso Viera E Hijos SL, Las Palmas de Gran C., green leather presentation box, photocopy Rolex España S. A. letter, leather envelope, two suede Rolex pouches, product literature, and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    A revolutionary change in the Daytona lineup occurred in 2000 when Rolex updated the automatic Cosmograph Daytona, introducing the reference 116520 with the brand’s first, fully in-house chronograph movement, the caliber 4130.

    The present watch is an incredibly rare and unusual example of the reference 116520. Upon close inspection, the watch has two distinct, individual case numbers. The number engraved between the lugs and indicated on the warranty card is M444216, however the case number engraved on the rehaut between the dial and crystal reads M444218. The watch left the Rolex factory as is, due to a quality control oversight, and it is interesting to note that when Rolex first begin to engrave the rehaut in 2005, it also engraved the number between the lugs; however, during 2008, the brand began to engrave only the rehaut with the serial number, the same approximate year as the present watch. Today, this “error” has rendered the present watch incredibly rare and valuable, giving it a possibly unique characteristic. Most importantly, this watch is accompanied by a correspondence between the owner and Rolex Spain offering to change the case to correct the error.

    The watch is preserved in excellent condition and is accompanied by its original guarantee. This is a rare opportunity to own one of the most coveted chronographs ever made, and one with what is possibly a unique factory error.

  • 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. 116520
A very rare and unusual chronograph wristwatch with factory error, bracelet, guarantee, and presentation box

2008
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed

Estimate
$20,000 - 40,000 
CHF18,000-36,000
€18,700-37,400
HK$156,000-312,000
S$27,200-54,400

Sold for $27,940

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and 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: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023