Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII Geneva Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 2004
    Reference No: 116520
    Movement No: C0151952
    Case No: F248883
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex punched Guarantee dated 04th April, 2004, and signed Ultrajewels Cancun, product literature, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced in 2000, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116520 was the first model to house, Rolex's first self-winding in-house chronograph movement, caliber 4130, replacing its predecessor Zenith movement. The new model also featured subtle changes to the case and dial such as polished and slender lugs and a subtle switch of the hour registers and seconds register. Launched in stainless steel as well as other metals, the stainless steel examples were offered with two dial options, either black or white. Immediately gaining a cult-like status during its initial launch, many collectors today still agree that the reference is one of the most iconic and timeless references Rolex has ever produced.

    Throughout the course of its production, some early examples with white dials, specifically examples with serials P,K & Y, have developed a cream patina over time due to the nature of the lacquer used. The present example Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116520 with a white dial from circa 2004 features a "F" serial case that remarkably has also started to also develop a warm and creamy tone.

    Offered with its full set of accessories and preserved in excellent overall condition, the present is an example of Rolex Daytona for collectors seeking an iconic daily wristwatch.

  • 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
A rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "Semi-Panna" dial, bracelet, guarantee, presentation box and outer packaging

2004
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF18,000 - 28,000 
€18,700-29,100
$20,600-32,000

Sold for CHF27,940

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII

Geneva Auction 13 - 14 May 2023