Rolex - Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Hong Kong Sessions, Spring 2024 Hong Kong Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1995
    Reference No: 16520
    Movement No: 90’472
    Case No: W393’476, inside caseback stamped “16500”
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 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 “78390, W5”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Wick & Greene Jlrs U.S.A. dated 9th November 1995, 1996-1997 calendar card and leather card holder.

  • Catalogue Essay

    - Introduced in 1988, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 16520 marked a significant milestone for the brand, as it was their first Daytona model to incorporate an automatic movement.

    - The reliable Zenith El Primero based cal. 4030 movement was chosen as the movement for this model. Today, the reference holds great value and is highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts, primarily due to its significance in the Daytona history.

    - However, certain examples from different series have managed to distinguish themselves, becoming exceedingly rare and even more coveted by collectors. The manufacturing process of the dial played a role in creating the unique "tropical" effect seen in some watches. During that period, Rolex used a varnish called Zapon on the silvered registers of these watches, and in certain cases, the varnish was applied unevenly and contributed to the distinct appearance.

    - This particular watch, the registers were aged uniformly to a brownish hue. Presented in excellent overall condition, it exhibits minimal signs of wear, and the caseback still retains its original green Rolex sticker. With a "W" serial number, this example would be an excellent choice for Rolex enthusiasts seeking an attractive and distinctive Daytona timepiece.

  • 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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8055

Ref. 16520
A very rare, well-preserved and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “tropical” registers, bracelet and guarantee

Circa 1995
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$250,000 - 390,000 
€29,400-45,900
$32,100-50,000

Sold for HK$355,600

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com

Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Hong Kong Sessions, Spring 2024

19 - 26 March 2024