Rolex - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1998
    Reference No: 16520
    Case No: A880’197
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped 78390A, max overall length 220mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex flip lock deployant clasp 78390A, X9
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Guarantee dated March 10, 2000, and stamped Torres Joalheiros, Lisboa, green leather Rolex presentation box, hang tags, plastic bezel cover leather envelope, leather mini folio, polish cloth, product literature and outer box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex’s Cosmograph Daytona is one of the most iconic and cherished wristwatches for collectors today, and its evolution is legendary. Over its 65-year plus lifespan, it has become revered for its classic design, durability, and strong masculine appeal. In celebration of the Daytona’s 25th anniversary, Rolex released at Basel in 1988 the first self-winding chronograph model in their history. The technically innovative reference 16520 was powered by an automatic Zenith El Primero caliber, which was substantially modified by Rolex. At the time of the launch, the reference became a cult classic and garnered an immediate waiting list at Rolex retailers.

    This “A series” reference 16520 features a Mark III bezel with the “Units Per Hour” denoted by “240” replacing “250” and “225”. The wristwatch is preserved in near new condition, featuring sharp factory finishes preserved throughout. The chronograph features the nearly perfectly preserved original factory sticker on the caseback, and is accompanied by its original Rolex guarantee, having been retailed by Torres Joalheiros, Lisboa, dated March 10, 2000. It is interesting to note the guarantee is punched with the correct country code, 216, for Portugal.

  • 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.

    View More Works

117

Ref. 16520
A like-new and very attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, original guarantee, case back sticker, hang tag and presentation box

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

Estimate
$18,000 - 36,000 
CHF15,800-31,700
€16,900-33,700
HK$140,000-280,000

Sold for $38,100

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, 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: XI

New York Auction 7 - 8 December 2024