Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1998 Reference No: 16518 Case No: U822470 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee and service papers. Provenance: Property of a Private Collection
Provenance
Property of a Private Collection
Catalogue Essay
-Since its introduction in 1963, Rolex’s Cosmograph Daytona has continuously evolved, and today it is amongst the most sought after models for its masculine appeal, classic aesthetics, and exceptional timekeeping.
-This attractive yellow gold Zenith Daytona is fitted with a black dial and is preserved in excellent condition. Reference 16518 is the yellow gold counterpart to stainless steel reference 16520 and was offered with a leather or crocodile bracelet.
-The watch is furthermore preserved in very attractive condition and is accompanied by its original guarantee and service papers.
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.
