Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2019 Reference No: 116508 Movement No: TU'644'572 Case No: SR450’155 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 205mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Berger Joyeros, Mexico dated 23 December 2019, hang tags, instruction manual, green card holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
When unveiled at Baselworld 2016, the Rolex Daytona ref. 116508 marked the first time the iconic chronograph was crafted in lustrous yellow gold with an emerald green dial. Released alongside the ref. 116509 white gold model with blue dial, this flamboyant yellow gold variant instantly captured the attention of collectors.
While precious metal Cosmograph Daytonas once sat idly in display cases, the green dialed ref. 116508 in yellow gold has emerged as a phenomenon. Its chameleon-like dial shifts from apple to forest green in different lighting, providing visual intrigue. The precious yellow gold case adds opulent brilliance. Not since the green "Beach" Daytonas has Rolex introduced such a vibrant and verdant aesthetic so fitting for their brand. Its popularity surged after being spotted on the wrist of renowned musician and watch aficionado John Mayer during a talk show.
With extremely limited availability from boutiques and endless waiting lists, the ref. 116508 has become one of the most coveted Daytona references on the secondary market. With factory stickers still intact, the present example from circa 2019 offers collectors the chance to own this coveted reference in virtually brand-new condition.
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.