Important Watches

Important Watches

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 39. Daytona 'Zenith', Reference 16523 A possibly unique stainless steel and yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and 'Coeur de rubis' and diamond-set dial Circa 1995  |  勞力士  |  Daytona 'Zenith' 型號 16523 應為獨一無二精鋼及黃金計時鍊帶腕錶,配 'Cœur de Rubis' 鑽石錶盤,製作年份約 1995.

Rolex

Daytona 'Zenith', Reference 16523 A possibly unique stainless steel and yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and 'Coeur de rubis' and diamond-set dial Circa 1995 | 勞力士 | Daytona 'Zenith' 型號 16523 應為獨一無二精鋼及黃金計時鍊帶腕錶,配 'Cœur de Rubis' 鑽石錶盤,製作年份約 1995

Auction Closed

November 9, 01:29 PM GMT

Estimate

100,000 - 200,000 CHF

Lot Details

Description

Rolex


Daytona 'Zenith', Reference 16523

A possibly unique stainless steel and yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and 'Coeur de rubis' and diamond-set dial 

Circa 1995


勞力士

Daytona 'Zenith' 型號 16523 應為獨一無二精鋼及黃金計時鍊帶腕錶,配 'Cœur de Rubis' 鑽石錶盤,製作年份約 1995


Dial: coeur de rubis, diamonds

Calibre: cal. 4030 automatic, 31 jewels

Movement number: 213'003

Case: stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, screw-down back 

Case number: W'623'131

Closure: stainless steel and 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp 

Size: 40 mm diameter , bracelet circumference approximately 200 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement 

Box: yes

Papers: yes

Accessories: Rolex guarantee, two service warranty card the latest dated January 25, 2021, service booklet, Oyster booklet, Daytona booklet, leather card holder, COSC hang tag, numbered hang tag and presentation case with outer packaging

Distinguished by its hardstone dial, this reference 16523, might be mistaken for having a rubellite dial. However, the material used here is known as ‘Coeur de Rubis’ (Heart of Ruby), which differs somewhat in appearance and colour providing a more uniform and much deeper red. The stone is incredibly fragile and become even more so as it is worked thinner and thinner by expert craftsmen. It is, as a result, a material seldom used and those that dare usually make only very few. Each piece is ultimately a unique piece. 


Originally, this timepiece was a special order made for Mr. Tarek Shah, who was at the time one of Rolex's precious and ornamental stones supplier. He made this special request and supplied the stone that Rolex would use to make his dial.


To the best of our knowledge this unusual 'Zenith' Daytona appears fresh to the market and represents the first time a Daytona with a ‘Coeur de Rubis’ dial has been available at auction. It is a rare opportunity to make the acquisition of this possibly unique timepiece. It comes as a full set and was serviced by Rolex in January 2021.