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171Σ

Rolex

Ref. 16589BR

Cosmograph Daytona

A rare and extremely attractive white gold and diamond-set chronograph wristwatch with sodalite dial

Estimate
CHF70,000 - 140,000
€74,500 - 149,000
$81,400 - 163,000
CHF95,250
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
Circa 1997
Reference No
16589BR
Movement No
157'115
Case No
U355734
Model Name
Cosmograph Daytona
Material
18K white gold, diamonds and sodalite
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 4030, 44 jewels
Clasp/Buckle
18K white gold Rolex deployant clasp
Dimensions
40mm Diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
Rolex’s Cosmograph Daytona is one of the most iconic timepieces ever produced. Since it was first introduced in 1963, collectors and watch enthusiasts now long to own this model known for its masculine appeal and durability. Like other Rolex tool watches, the Daytona has undergone technical and design changes over the last nearly 70 years, however the base DNA has remained the same. Rolex's automatic chronograph movement was launched in 1988 and took the watch world community by surprise. Until then, the Daytona was only available with a manually wound movement. With this reference, Rolex broke this tradition by introducing the automatic caliber 4030 based on a heavily modified Zenith El-Primero movement.

Fitted with a baguette diamond-set bezel and a sodalite dial, the present watch combines Rolex's gift in gem-setting with the newly launched Zenith movement. Known for its rigorous standards in quality, Rolex is particularly skilled at creating gem-set watches, whether it be a lavishly-set Day-Date or an eye-catching and striking SARU GMT.

The case is preserved in excellent condition with a strong hallmark on the bottom of the lug. All gold marks remain present and crisp.

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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