Rolex - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 2024
    Reference No: 126518LN
    Case No: Z1245778
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4131, 44 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rubber
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp, stamped L9A
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Rolex guarantee dated May 27, 2024, fitted green leather presentation box, hang tag, leather envelope, product literature and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex’s Daytona Cosmograph is one of the most iconic and cherished timepieces available today. From the “pre-Daytona” chronographs of the mid-20th century to the first Daytona, reference 6239 originally introduced in 1963, it is a model transcending the original tool watch purpose to a symbol for excellence in mechanical watchmaking, performance and luxury. Over its 60 year history the Daytona has been upgraded from manual wound watches to the first automatic model, the reference 16520 introduced in 1988, to current production models with fully in-house movements. In 2023, Rolex released at Watches and Wonder the new and improved caliber 4031 with the more efficient Rolex Chronergy escapement, and added more ball bearings to the winding rotor. In honor of the Daytona’s 60th anniversary, Rolex released a series of new models including the present reference 126518LN.

    The new classic chronograph has a modern appeal offered with either golden or a bright black dial like the present watch. The smaller hour markers have a vintage feel reminiscent of the reference 16520, and high nighttime legibility with Chromalight blue luminescent hour markers. The Cerachrom ceramic bezel is highly durable with tachymetric scale made with the deposition of a thin layer of platinum in the numerals and graduations via a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process. Furthermore, the chronograph features the brands sporty Oysterflex bracelet.

    The present, highly attractive Daytona Cosmograph is in new condition with its factory stickers still in place, and offered complete with its suite of accessories. It is a shining tribute to the model’s long and historic lineage in the world of horology.

  • 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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172

Ref. 126518LN
A brand new and highly attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with black dial, Cerachrom bezel, guarantee, hang tag and presentation box

2024
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$20,000 - 40,000 
CHF17,600-35,200
€18,700-37,500
HK$155,000-311,000

Sold for $50,800

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