At the Important Watches event hosted by Sotheby’s on 11 May, watch collectors will keep a close eye on a 1999 Cosmograph Daytona (Ref. 16516) with a presale estimate of between $USD850,000 and $USD1.7 million.
In the late 1990s, Rolex manufactured four platinum Daytonas for a private collector in a rare break from tradition. At the time, Rolex only produced this model in stainless steel, two-tone steel and gold, yellow gold, and white gold.
For many years, many collectors dismissed the watches as mere' legends’; however, Sotheby’s eventually sold the first known model in 2018. This was followed by auctions in 2020 and 2021, with each surpassing its presale estimate. A lapis lazuli hardstone model was sold for $USD3.2 million in 2020.
“This exceptional wristwatch, which comes for the first time to auction, is one of the most elusive and compelling automatic Daytonas ever discovered,” Sotheby’s said in a statement.
Each of the four platinum Daytonas has a different dial, with the one set to appear in May featuring a mother-of-pearl diamond and diamond hour markers.
WATCH VIDEO
More reading
Rolex breaks 13-year drought and releases new model
Iconic astronaut’s golden wristwatch up for grabs
Time for Changes: Watch trends expected to define the year ahead
Patek Philippe's controversial collection defies industry expectations
DiCaprio leads star-studded marketing campaign for Rolex
Shock move: Rolex discontinues Swiss watch brand