Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT Hong Kong Monday, May 27, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1988
    Reference No: 16520
    Case No: R944’914
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3040, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, stamped “78360”, endlinks stamped “503, B”, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Further delivered with original Rolex fitted presentation box and hang tag

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Daytona reference 16520 was introduced in 1988, replacing the reference 6265 and started a new era for the Cosmograph series. The earlier models bearing a serial R or L came were fitted with a “floating dial” where “Cosmograph” is detached from the above lines of texts.

    With the production for the reference 16520 ceased in 2000 and replaced by 116520, the earlier examples bearing the inverted “6” on the dial and the “floating” Cosmograph were produced in very limited quantities. In addition, this present piece is double signed and retailed by Tiffany & Co making the present watch rarer than it already is. Watches that bare the retailer’s name on the dial are rare and highly sought after, especially if it is Tiffany & Co, due to the fact that the watch was only sold specifically at the Tiffany & Co boutique in New York.

    The present example is a reference 16520 in stainless steel with a black “floating” dial retailed by Tiffany & Co. The combination of all factors combined makes this present example an extremely rare example of the reference. Further, the watch is presented in overall very good condition.

  • 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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1153

Ref. 16520
A fine and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Floating Cosmograph” black dial, bracelet and presentation box, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

Circa 1988
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
HK$500,000 - 1,000,000 
€56,400-113,000
$64,100-128,000

Sold for HK$587,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT

Hong Kong Auction 28 May 2019