Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1999
    Reference No: 16520, caseback stamped "2100" to the inside
    Case No: A970378
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 205mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex punched Guarantee stamped by Hong Kong retailer Yes Watch Co., Ltd. and dated August 25, 2000, numbered sale tag and fitted box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The evolution of the Cosmograph Daytona is of course an extremely complex topic, with dozens of different variations of case details, graphic styles, fonts and so on. However, the entire Daytona production can be grouped into three main classes: "Manual" Daytonas, using a Rolex upgraded manually-wound Valjoux 72 caliber (1963 - 1988); “Zenith” Daytonas, using a Rolex upgraded automatic Zenith El Primero caliber (1988-2000); and “Rolex” Daytonas, using a in-house caliber (2000 - ongoing).

    The Zenith Daytona is particularly important as it is the link between the “old school” construction and production methodology of the manual Daytona, and a modern approach to luxury watchmaking, which will fully bloom with the “Rolex” Daytona.

    The present example is not only offered in absolutely new-old-stock condition, but it is furthermore a sought-after “A-series” of particular interest for the Rolex collector as it is one of the latest representatives of the “Zenith” Daytona production.

  • 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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122

Ref. 16520, caseback stamped "2100" to the inside
A fine, attractive and extremely well preserved stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and guarantee

Circa 1999
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF12,000 - 18,000 
€10,600-15,800
$12,300-18,400

Sold for CHF32,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018