Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2021 Reference No: 116506 Case No: Q17003G8 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona “Platona” Material: Platinum Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Platinum Rolex Oyster bracelet, max overall length 210mm Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex International Guarantee dated December 24, 2021, fitted Rolex presentation box, leather wallet, product literature and outer packaging
Catalogue Essay
The reference 116506 was introduced at Baselworld in 2013 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona model, and was the first Daytona offered by the brand to be encased in the noblest of metals – platinum. Sporting an extremely attractive ice blue dial exclusively used on platinum models by Rolex, the Cerachrom bezel contrasts with a charming hint of chestnut brown, transcending the whole appearance of the timepiece. Nearly a decade later, the so-called “Platona” remains as relevant and fresh as it did in 2013 when it surprised and delighted collectors. Now discontinued, the present example from 2021 is complete with guarantee and presentation box.
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.
