After experimenting on Daytona with diamond-setting in the 1980s with ref. 6269 and 6270, Rolex further pushed the boundaries of its creativity in the 1990s and then in the 2000s. The final evolution of such experiments will be over-the-top - and today highly collectible - pieces such as the "rainbow" ref. 116599RBOW and the "iced-out" 116576TBR.

However, it is during the late 1990s and early 200s that the company created possibly the rarest variations of gem-set: true test series made to test the bejeweled chronograph market. The present piece is indeed a highly collectible and extremely attractive result of such experimenting. As confirmed on the original Warranty, the watch is fitted not only with a baguette-cut diamond-set bezel, but it also features a black mother-of-pearl dial with Roman numeral. Even in the already very sparsely populated landscape of bejeweled Daytona timepieces, the present configuration is to be considered on a superior tier of rarity. In fact, most examples of the model feature a standard mother-of -pearl dial, usually with diamond-set numerals. The black/Roman numeral variation appears the be extremely difficult to find.

Notwithstanding its rarity, the looks of the watch would be enough to have collectors' heads swiftly turn: the black dial contrasts with the sparkling diamond-set bezel and complements the warmth of the gold case for an enormously impressive final result.

Last, but not least, the piece is offered in extremely well preserved condition an in fact complete of its original warranty detailing this precise dial configuration: BLACK MOTHER PRL ROM, indeed black mother-of-pearl and Roman numerals