Rolex

Introduced in 2000, 1165XX generation marked a major leap in Rolex Daytona production, being the first ever in-house chronograph ever produced by Rolex, and thus the first ever in-house Daytona. Within the case was the brand new 4130 calibre, a result of years of research and development. To differentiate itself from its Zenith powered predecessor the 165XX, Rolex moved the constant subsidiary seconds dial to 6 o’clock as opposed to the previous 9 o’clock and raised the subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock ever so slightly, with the case, bezel and bracelet remaining largely unchanged.

Following a few precious-stone set examples produced during the Daytona Zenith era, Rolex released the 116589. The "8" refers to the precious-stone bezel. Interestingly, it can be either two rows of brilliant diamonds or baguette-set stones.

While most of the 116589 are fitted either with diamonds or rubies, the 116589SACI is adorned by a row of baguette-cut sapphires. Rarely appearing on the market, this version is usually fitted with a sodalite dial. However, this present lot has a stunning diamond pavé dial with sapphire-set indexes, making it a superb and most collectible example of the iconic Rolex Daytona.