Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2005 Reference No: 116529 Movement No: C 0195622 Case No: D241696 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped "78499" and "MA5" Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Guarantee stamped by English retailer George Pragnell and December 6, 2005, calendar card for the years 2006/2007, leather document holder, product literature, numbered sale tag, "faux seal" hangtag, plastic bezel protection, fitted presentation box and outer packaging
Catalogue Essay
In 2000, Rolex revamped its Cosmograph Daytona line with the introduction of a completely new in-house movement - cal. 4130 - which took the place of the previously Zenith-supplied “El Primero” ebauche which was the base for the previous calibre. The new series is identified by a six digits reference number, adding a “1” to the previous models (for example, ref. 16529 becomes the present ref. 116529).
This example of the reference is distinguished not only by its remarkable condition and the presence of its original sale kit, but most importantly by its original owner being one of the most distinguished personalities in watch collecting: Eric Patrick Clapton. Considered one of the best guitarists of all time, Mr. Clapton's passion for fine watchmaking is nearly as legendary as its musical prowess. Having reportedly owned some of the most important timepieces in existence - such as the platinum Patek Philippe 2499 - Mr. Clapton’s collection is without a doubt counted among the most important in the world.
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.