ROLEX | DAYTONA RAINBOW, REFERENCE 116595RBOW PINK GOLD DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE-SET CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH DIAMOND, SAPPHIRE-SET DIAL AND CASE WITH BRACELET CIRCA 2018

Dial: diamond and sapphire-set Calibre: cal. 4130 automatic, 44 jewels Movement number: V8’A21’058 Case: 18ct pink gold Oyster, sapphire and diamond-set, screw-down crown, pushers and back Case number: 5T’258’450 Closure: 18ct pink gold Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding clasp Dimensions: 40mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 200mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex Guarantee, Rolex user manual, chronometer tag and presentation case

DIAL: in perfect conditionCASE: in overall very good condition, with minimal very light surface scratches to the band at 9 o'clock. The bracelet in good condition with some light scratches from limited wear.Caseback marked 2115MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing, chronograph starts, stops and resets to zeroPlease note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

There are very few watches that can assume an iconic status, even after several decades. The Daytona Rainbow has instantly been recognized as a legend by collectors.The model was first introduced in 2012 in yellow gold and later in white gold. In 2018, Rolex revealed the Everose version, the pink gold edition. This last version is considered by many as the most beautiful, as the warm pink gold perfectly complements and reaffirms the sapphire-set rainbow bezel. The pink gold edition also introduced the baguette rainbow indexes as opposed to the simpler, brilliant diamond-set indexes of the two previous versions. The model is sometimes further obtainable with a black or a rarer fully pavé diamond-set dial, such as the present lot.

Only a handful of these pieces are produced each year by Rolex. This is due to the difficulty in sourcing perfectly calibrated sapphires of the right colour to construct the spectacular rainbow beautifully adorning the bezel.

The Rolex tradition of setting precious stones on the Daytona started in the 1980's. This began with some rare 6239 examples with brilliant diamond-set bezels and the famous reference 6270 with a baguette diamond-set bezel. Rolex continued experimenting with the use of precious stones and special dials during the Zenith Daytona era as well as with the introduction of the in-house movement, the caliber 4130 that was used within the Saco model, for example. Nonetheless, never before the Rainbow did a Daytona go so far in the pursuit of a bold and uncompromising, yet timeless model. 

Not only is the Rainbow, especially in pink gold, the ultimate modern Daytona, but it is without doubt one of the most exceptional pieces ever produced by Rolex.

This watch, offered in excellent condition and with its complete set is the first of its kind to appear at auction. It is the first pink gold version to be presented for sale with its original sublime and rare pavé diamond-set dial.