Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1994
    Reference No: 16520
    Case No: S'256’975
    Model Name: Cosmograph Datyona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 33 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78390”, endlinks stamped “503B”, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “S9”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped The Jewellers & Silversmiths Co. LTD dated 15th March 1994, instruction manual, product literature, 1994-1995 calendar card, green card holder, purchase invoice, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Marking a milestone for the Daytona, Rolex released the ref. 16520 in 1988 being the manufacture’s first-ever Daytona model to feature a self-winding movement and a larger case with crown guards. A significant breakthrough for Rolex, it is powered by the cal. 4030 with a Zenith El-Primero base. First launched in stainless steel with two dial options including black and white, gold models were also introduced with various dial designs and materials. The reference was discontinued in 2000, making way for the ref. 116520 featuring the firm’s first-ever in-house self-winding chronograph cal. 4130.

    The present example Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 16520 in stainless steel features the desirable black dial with an inverted 6 from circa 1994 with an “S” serial. Not only is it a timeless icon, but this present timepiece is offered in “like-new” condition with its green case back sticker intact with no signs of use and wear. Complete with its full set of accessories, this fine specimen is not to be missed.

  • 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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927

Ref. 16520
An attractive, rare and “like-new” stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1994
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 320,000 
€18,700-37,400
$20,500-41,000

Sold for HK$304,800

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023