57Σ︎
Rolex
Ref. 116518
Cosmograph Daytona, “Tahitian Mother-of Pearl”
A well-preserved yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with black mother-of-pearl dial, Roman numerals, warranty, hang tags, case sticker, and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
• Very Rare Example with Black Mother-of-Pearl Dial
• Retains Case Back Sticker – very well-preserved
• Complete with Original Accessories
- In 2000, Rolex introduced their first in-house chronograph movement with the caliber 4130 replacing the historic Zenith-based modified caliber 4030—the foundation for the iconic automatic Daytona when introduced in 1988.
- The reference 116518 was in production from 2000 to 2016 and was a revolutionary model not only for the upgraded caliber 4130, but also for the variety of dial types offered. From pavé diamond set dials to lustrous mother-of-pearl examples, the chronograph saw remarkable success with its stylish models and luxurious appeal.
- The present early “Y” series from 2004 features the very rare and elusive Tahitian black mother-of-pearl dial with Roman numerals, one of the most uncommon configurations found on the reference. The watch is offered in excellent overall condition and retains the original case back sticker. The lot is further accompanied by its full set of accessories.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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.