Rolex - Daytona Ultimatum Geneva Friday, May 11, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2009
    Reference No: 116520 "The Winner"
    Case No: V’486’774
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 4130, 44 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max. length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex twinlock deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee confirming the sale to Les 24 Heures du Mans 2009 in May 2006, numbered sales tag, Certification from David Brabham, signed racing boots, envelope and letter addressed to ‘the winner’ and fitted Rolex tyre track dedicated box, with oversized Rolex logo.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex has always been unwavering in its support for motorsports, proudly proclaiming its commitment to auto racing throughout the 20th century. To examine the Daytona model is to acknowledge the history as well as the symbiotic relationship between the Genevan watchmaker and high-octane world of racing. From the origins of the name, to Rolex’s longstanding sponsorship of international races, few watch models are so intertwined with motor racing as the Cosmograph Daytona.

    The present watch was presented to David Brabham upon his team’s victory at the 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans. Alongside drivers Alexander Wurz and Marc Gene, Brabham drove for the Peugeot Sport Total team, completing 382 laps. What truly sets this watch apart is the “WINNER 2009 24 Heures Du Mans’” engraving on the case back. It is furthermore accompanied by a Rolex guarantee confirming the sale to Les 24 Heures du Mans 2009 in May 2009 and Brabham’s signed racing boots. The world’s oldest endurance car race, 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the most grueling automobile competitions in the world. Every year, world-class teams of drivers descend on Le Mans, France, to participate in the 24-hour endurance car race.

    Successor to Rolex’s very first automatic chronograph, reference 116520 made its debut in the year 2000. The very first in-house automatic winding system, caliber 4130 represented a big technical stride for the brand.

  • 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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Ref. 116520 "The Winner"
A highly rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with guarantee and fitted presentation box awarded to David Brabham, winner of the Rolex 24 of Le Mans in 2009

Circa 2009
39.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000 

Sold for CHF60,000

Contact Specialist
Tiffany To
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 96 63
tto@phillips.com

Daytona Ultimatum

Geneva Auction 12 May 2018