Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2006 Reference No: 116509 Movement No: C0305006 Case No: Z589665 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Material: 18K white gold, rubellite and diamonds Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 185mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by pouch.
Catalogue Essay
In 2000, Rolex introduced the groundbreaking Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116520, featuring the firm’s first ever in-house self-winding chronograph caliber 4130, replacing its former Zenith El Primero based caliber 4030. Entering into the new millennium with a bang, Rolex also introduced gold variants of the Cosmograph Daytona, and also for the first time were also offered with various dial materials, including hardstones. Rolex has always been at the innovative forefront when it comes to the experimentation of dial materials. Hardstone dials have always been a collector's favorite due to the fact that every dial is unique as it is natural. Various hardstones have differing natures, in terms of composition, luster and hardness, hence executing hardstone dials require extreme precision to execute.
Offered without reserve, this beautiful white gold Daytona is fitted with an incredibly attractive and rare rubellite dial with diamond-set numerals which was mounted on the current watch during a servicing. The textured effect of the rubellite adds flair, movement and intrigue to the dial layout, and furthermore provides a perfect canvas for the diamond-set numerals to shine on.
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.
