In 2000, Rolex introduced the groundbreaking Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116520, featuring the firm’s first ever in-house self-winding chronograph caliber 4130, replacing its former Zenith El Primero based caliber 4030. Entering into the new millennium with a bang, Rolex also introduced gold variants of the Cosmograph Daytona, and also for the first time were also offered with various dial materials, including hardstones. Rolex has always been at the innovative forefront when it comes to the experimentation of dial materials. Hardstone dials have always been a collectors favourite due to the fact that every dial is unique as it is natural. Various hardstones have differing natures, in terms of composition, luster and hardness, hence executing hardstone dials require extreme precision to execute.

The present example Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116519 is fitted with an attractive red grossular garnet rubellite dial with diamond-set indexes. Paired with a burgundy red crocodile strap and offered in “new old stock” condition with its full factory protective stickers intact and complete with its full set of accessories, this present example can only been dubbed as the perfect specimen of this reference.