Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2000 Reference No: 116589 Movement No: C0'062'358 Case No: P'199'155 Model Name: Cosmograph Material: 18K white gold, rubies, diamonds and rubellite Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
Rolex is incredibly imaginative in its use of precious materials. Heavy and luxurious, the present watch is fitted with a beautiful grossular garnet rubellite dial, which has been preserved in excellent condition throughout the years. As each stone occurs naturally, no two rubellite dials are identical in appearance. Each one varies in shade and color, giving each timepiece its own singular appearance. The dial is furthermore set with diamonds in white gold chatons. As an even nicer touch, the bezel is set with rubies, which are incredibly vibrant and eye-catching.
Worn sparingly, the case is preserved in excellent condition with crisp and legible hallmarks beneath the lugs. All original factory finishes are present, furthermore enhancing this timepiece's appeal.
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.