Important Watches

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Panna”, Reference 116520 A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Panna” dial and bracelet, Circa 2003 Dial: Panna Calibre: cal. 4130 automatic, 44 jewels Case: stainless steel, screw down case back Case number: Y964217 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 195 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex Garantie and instruction manual First introduced in the 1960s and never leaving the catalogue since, the Daytona saw many updates as Rolex endeavoured to modernise and help the Daytona remain relevant. Their efforts paid off in a huge way, and across its many references and iterations the Daytona today might be Rolex’s most coveted model. One of the most technically significant updates came with the present reference 116520, being the first Daytona to feature a fully in-house calibre. What makes the present example of the Daytona extremely special is the tropical dial, which over time has changed from the factory white configuration to a very pleasing and rich cream colour. The collecting community has affectionately nicknamed these dials “Panna”, Italian for “cream”. Collectors will know that Panna dials are only accepted within a limited serial range, and with this Y serial example sitting perfectly within that range, this watch is sure to attract any discerning collector.

View 1 of Lot 2123: Cosmograph Daytona “Panna”, Reference 116520 | A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Panna” dial and bracelet, Circa 2003

cosmograph daytona “panna”, reference 116520 | a stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “panna” dial and bracelet, circa 2003

PROPERTY OF AN IMPORTANT ASIAN COLLECTOR Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 'Paul Newman John Player Special Cherry', Reference 6264 A yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1971 Dial: black, exotic Calibre: cal. 727 mechanical, 17 jewels Case: 14k yellow gold, screw down case back Case number: 2’802’702 Closure: 14k yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Size: 37 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 190 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none In the Rolex collecting world, several key terms will instantly get any connoisseurs’ attention. Daytona. Paul Newman. John Player Special. All of these terms are no stranger to the community, nor to the gavel. Indeed, Paul Newman Daytonas have made up the bulk of high-flying Rolex auction lots in recent years, with John Player Special versions flying higher still. However, this was not the case half a century ago when the Daytona was first introduced. As the well known story goes, the original Daytonas were so unpopular that they would sit in retailer shop windows for years without attracting any interested buyers. This was one of the reasons why, a few years after the release of the reference 6239, Rolex began producing a new dial type in order to add variety and hopefully increase appeal in its struggling chronograph model. Their plan failed, but only for the time being. No one knew it at the time, but Rolex had just created their most desirable dial design, ever. Few manually wound Daytonas were ever made due to their unpopularity at the time, even fewer with exotic dials, and fewer still were cased in gold. Some experts go so far as to estimate that for every Daytona that was cased in gold, ten were cased in stainless steel, with the total amount of gold Daytonas fitted with exotic dials of any colour never exceeding 100 units. It wasn’t until Paul Newman, star of both race track and silver screen was seen wearing an exotic dial 6239 that people began to take notice. The rest, as they say, is history. Yellow gold Paul Newman dials come in three categories: Champagne, Lemon, and the present John Player Special, which signified a black dial with gold accents, aptly named after the iconic Lotus Formula One team which shared the same colour scheme. Champagne examples are the most common, while JPS and Lemon variants are considerably scarcer. Indeed, no more than 20 JPS examples have appeared at auction in the past decade. However, an even scarcer sub-genre of the John Player Special that may be less familiar to the collecting zeitgeist, and indeed has never yet appeared at auction, is the John Player Special ‘Cherry’. Every single John Player Special dial that has appeared at auction features a gold coloured ‘Daytona’ logo above the 6 o’clock register, with the majority of these belonging to the reference 6241 and serial numbers scattered roughly around the year 1970. However, another small batch of John Player Special dials have surfaced in 6264 cases with serials clustered in 1971. These dials feature a slightly different gold colour tone, deeper and richer compared to standard John Player Specials, prompting some experts to refer to them as ‘Reverse Lemon’ dials. Most importantly, these dials all feature ‘Daytona’ Logo in bright red, earning them the moniker ‘Cherry’. Believed to have been produced as a final batch of gold Paul Newman dials, the handful of known examples are found within a narrow grouping of case numbers. Rarely seen publicly, the JPS cherry has only occasionally featured in reference books and online archives. Further research shows that some 20+ years ago a small group of early vintage Rolex collectors were afforded a tour of the Singer factory, and images from that trip included an example of the JPS cherry within Singers own archives.

View 1 of Lot 2400: Cosmograph Daytona 'Paul Newman John Player Special Cherry', Reference 6264 | A yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1971

cosmograph daytona 'paul newman john player special cherry', reference 6264 | a yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, circa 1971

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 'Rainbow', Reference 116598RBOW A yellow gold, diamond and multi-coloured sapphire-set chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 2012 Dial: black, diamond-set Calibre: cal. 4130 automatic, 44 jewels Case: 18k yellow gold, screw-down case back Case number: 9540N7D7 Closure: 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 195 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex International Guarantee, instruction manual and presentation box When the Rainbow Daytona was first introduced in 2012, collectors were awe-struck, and took a minute to gather their thoughts. Indeed, what met their eyes was something so outlandish and unlike anything that Rolex had ever done before with the Daytona, that they almost didn't know what to think. Soon, collectors began to recognise that these outstanding qualities were to be cherished, and not critiqued. What we had on our hands, with a fully gradient sapphire-set bezel, was the ultimate statement piece, and the very fact that Rolex wouldn't usually do something like this only served to make the Rainbow Daytona even more objectively rare. Today, it is one of the most sought-after modern Daytonas on the market.

View 1 of Lot 2191: Cosmograph Daytona 'Rainbow', Reference 116598RBOW | A yellow gold, diamond and multi-coloured sapphire-set chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 2012

cosmograph daytona 'rainbow', reference 116598rbow | a yellow gold, diamond and multi-coloured sapphire-set chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, circa 2012

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Inverted 6”, Reference 16518 A yellow gold and diamond-set chronograph wristwatch, Circa 1991 Dial: white Calibre: cal. 4030 automatic, 31 jewels Case: 18k yellow gold, screw down case back Case number: N436471 Closure: brown Rolex alligator strap and 18k yellow gold folding clasp Size: 40 mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex presentation box From 1988 until the turn of the millennium, Rolex utilized a modified Zenith-based movement to power their Daytona line. The Rolex Daytona 16518 features the 4030 movement and is among the various references produced during this period. Dating back to around 1993, this watch is often referred to as an 'Inverted 6' because the subdial at the 6 o'clock position displays an upside-down 6 for the chronograph's hour function.

View 1 of Lot 2246: Cosmograph Daytona “Inverted 6”, Reference 16518 | A yellow gold and diamond-set chronograph wristwatch, Circa 1991

cosmograph daytona “inverted 6”, reference 16518 | a yellow gold and diamond-set chronograph wristwatch, circa 1991

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, Reference 116520 A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 2013 Dial: white Calibre: cal. 4130 automatic, 44 jewels Case: stainless steel, screw down case back Case number: G686907 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 195 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex Garantie Internationale, product literature, instruction manual and presentation box One of the most desirable watch models on the market, the Rolex Daytona has seen multiple variations throughout its time in production, with each iteration slightly improving upon the last. These changes included first the change from pump to screw down pushers, and then the move from manual winding to automatic calibres. The present reference 116520 featured an equally significant change, marking the first time a Rolex manufacture calibre was used in the Daytona, improving upon the outgoing 16520 which housed a modified Zenith movement.

View 1 of Lot 2166: Cosmograph Daytona, Reference 116520 | A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 2013

cosmograph daytona, reference 116520 | a stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, circa 2013

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, Reference 116505 An Everose gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 2009 Dial: black Calibre: cal. 4130 automatic, 44 jewels Case: 18k Everose gold, screw down case back Case number: V064627 Closure: 18k Everose gold Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 200 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex Garantie Internationale, instruction manual and presentation box The present watch features Rolex’s in‑house calibre 4130, combining the racing chronograph performance with their distinctive Everose gold. The present watch features a black dial and full gold Oyster bracelet which makes it one of the most recognisable Daytonas on the market.

View 1 of Lot 2335: Cosmograph Daytona, Reference 116505 | An Everose gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 2009

cosmograph daytona, reference 116505 | an everose gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, circa 2009

PROPERTY OF A SOUTHEAST ASIAN COLLECTOR Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Big Red”, Reference 6263 A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1978 Dial: silvered Calibre: cal. 727 mechanical, 17 jewels Case: stainless steel, screw down case back Case number: 5'529'908 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Size: 37 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 175 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex Garantie The Rolex Daytona is arguably one of the most beloved wristwatch designs in history, with its extensive range of references and variations captivating enthusiasts and enhancing its collectability. While there are a few exceptions, mechanical Daytona's are typically the most sought after, representing the earliest and perhaps the purest iteration of the entire line. The initial four-digit references, from 6239 to 6264, featured non-Oyster cases that were slightly slimmer and equipped with pump pushers. The later references, 6263 and 6265, marked the introduction of the Oyster Daytona's, which, thanks to their thicker waterproof cases and screw-down pushers, appear larger and are often preferred by collectors. The current reference 6263 is also equipped with the desirable “Big Red” dial, where the “Daytona” text above the 6 o’clock sub-dial is prominently printed in bright red and larger than in other references. Earlier 6263 models did not include the “Daytona” text at all, while later service dials displayed the “Small Red” variant with significantly smaller print. The distinctive and striking appearance of “Big Red” dials has made them particularly popular among collectors.

View 1 of Lot 2133: Cosmograph Daytona “Big Red”, Reference 6263 | A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1978

cosmograph daytona “big red”, reference 6263 | a stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, circa 1978

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, Reference 116509 A white gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 2007 Dial: black, racing Calibre: cal. 4130 automatic, 44 jewels Case: 18k white gold, screw down case back Case number: Z506692 Closure: 18k white gold Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 190 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex Garantie Internationale, product literature, instruction manual and presentation box The Daytona is perhaps Rolex’s most desirable model line, and throughout the years it has seen countless variations. However, even though the first Daytona was created back in the 60s, it wouldn’t be until 2004 that Rolex would release a version in full white gold with matching bracelet. The present lot is part of that first white gold reference, featuring a distinctive “racing” style dial with red scales reminiscent of dashboard instruments, calling back to the Daytona’s roots in motor racing.

View 1 of Lot 2333: Cosmograph Daytona, Reference 116509 | A white gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 2007

cosmograph daytona, reference 116509 | a white gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, circa 2007

PROPERTY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘Paul Newman’, Reference 6239 A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1967 Dial: black, exotic Calibre: cal. 722-1 mechanical, 17 jewels Case: stainless steel, screw down case back Case number: 1’695’131 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Size: 37 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 175 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none The first Daytona to be released was the present reference 6239, as can be denoted by the use of pump pushers and stainless steel bezel. A small percentage of these watches were fitted with “exotic” dials to add variety to the catalogue, featuring a stepped dial, contrasting outer minutes track, and Art Deco fonts and motifs within the sub-dials. Famously, these watches were a commercial failure at the time of launch, resulting in relatively low production numbers, especially in the exotic dial variant. It was not until movie and racing legend Paul Newman became known for wearing one of these exotic dial Daytonas that the model took off, eventually taking on the actor’s name and becoming the industry icon that it is today. In today’s Rolex collecting market, honesty and authenticity are paramount. Connoisseurs are sure to appreciate the fact that the present Paul Newman Daytona comes directly consigned by the original owner. Furthermore, astute and discerning collectors will recognise that this dial belongs to the rarer “Big T-Swiss-T” variant, only correct on earlier 6239 examples such as this one. Even though this watch was clearly worn and enjoyed over many years, the sharpness of the serifs and typefaces together with the definition within the sub-dial counters remain unmolested. This lot presents collectors with the chance to own one of the most coveted Rolex references, coming directly from the original owner.

View 1 of Lot 2136: Cosmograph Daytona ‘Paul Newman’, Reference 6239 | A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1967

cosmograph daytona ‘paul newman’, reference 6239 | a stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, circa 1967

PROPERTY OF AN ASTUTE GENTLEMAN Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, Reference 116509 A white gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 2012 Dial: grey Calibre: cal. 4130 automatic, 44 jewels Case: 18k white gold, screw down case back Case number: 25R627Y8 Closure: 18k white gold Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 200 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex Garantie Internationale The six digit Daytona evolves from the 4030 movement to the in-house calibre 4130 movement, and are presented in various cases and styles. The present example features a classic white metal palette paired with a grey dial with red accents.

View 1 of Lot 2122: Cosmograph Daytona, Reference 116509 | A white gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 2012

cosmograph daytona, reference 116509 | a white gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, circa 2012

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/rolex?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rolex</a> box.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116520). A 40mm stainless steel automatic wristwatch with chronograph. 2004

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/rolex?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rolex</a> box and card.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 'Leopard' (Reference 116598SACO). A 40mm yellow gold diamond and cognac sapphire-set automatic wristwatch with chronograph. 2007

Rolex Daytona Big Red Reference 6265 Fitted with the famous caliber Valjoux 727, the Rolex Daytona Reference 6265&nbsp;exemplifies the evolution of the Rolex Daytona. Introduced in 1969, this reference retains the classic stainless steel tachymeter bezel, and is enhanced with screw-down pushers and crown. This technology waterproofs the case alongside the screw-down case back thus being designated 'Oyster'. <ul><li>Please note the image is a representative image of this item and not a photograph of the exact item available for purchase. For exact specifications, please use the Enquire function for further assistance from our team.</li><li>Please note that availability of this item is subject to change based on market conditions. For details please use the Enquire function.</li></ul>

Rolex Daytona Big Red Reference 6265

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116503). A 40mm yellow gold stainless steel automatic wristwatch with chronograph. 2017

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116503). A 40mm yellow gold stainless steel diamond-set automatic wristwatch with chronograph. 2017

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 16589). A 40mm white gold diamond-set automatic wristwatch with chronograph. 1997-1998

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116518LN). A 40mm yellow gold diamond set automatic wristwatch with chronograph. 2018

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116568BR). A 40mm yellow gold diamond set automatic wristwatch with chronograph. 2002

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116503). A 40mm yellow gold stainless steel automatic wristwatch with chronograph.

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/rolex?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rolex</a> service card dated 2022 and presentation non-Rolex box.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116520). A 40mm stainless steel automatic wristwatch with chronograph. Circa 2009-2010

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/rolex?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rolex</a> card and presentation non-Rolex box.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116520). A 40mm stainless steel automatic wristwatch with chronograph. 2007

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 'Pikachu' (Reference 116518LN). A 40mm yellow gold automatic wristwatch with chronograph. 2017

Rolex Daytona Reference 116505 This Rolex Daytona Reference 116505 model is constructed throughout in 18k Everose gold, including the dial which features complementary black sub-dials. <ul><li>Please note the image is a representative image of this item and not a photograph of the exact item available for purchase. For exact specifications, please use the Enquire function for further assistance from our team.</li><li>Please note that availability of this item is subject to change based on market conditions. For details please use the Enquire function.</li></ul>

Rolex Daytona Reference 116505

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 126518). A 40mm yellow gold automatic wristwatch with chronograph.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116518LN). A 40mm yellow gold automatic wristwatch with chronograph. 2018

Includes presentation non-<a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/rolex?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rolex</a> box.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116500LN). A 40mm stainless stain automatic wristwatch with chronograph.

Launched in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona was designed to be a professional racing watch, and until this day, remains one of the most sought-after sports models.The model allows users to accurately measure time in hours, minutes and seconds with its tachymetric scale, pushers and three counters.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116520). A stainless steel automatic wristwatch with chronograph. Circa 2000

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/rolex?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rolex</a> box, card, seal hang tag.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 'John Mayer' (Reference 116508). A 40mm yellow gold automatic wristwatch with chronograph. 2018

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/rolex?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rolex</a> box, card, and hang tag.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116500LN). A 40mm stainless steel automatic wristwatch with chronograph. 2016

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116523). A 40mm yellow gold stainless steel diamond-set automatic wristwatch with chronograph. 2016

Rolex Daytona Reference 116505 Black Dial This Rolex Daytona Reference 116505 is constructed throughout in 18k Everose gold, with a contrasting black dial featuring rose gold sub-dials. <ul><li>Please note the image is a representative image of this item and not a photograph of the exact item available for purchase. For exact specifications, please use the Enquire function for further assistance from our team.</li><li>Please note that availability of this item is subject to change based on market conditions. For details please use the Enquire function.</li></ul> &nbsp;

Rolex Daytona Reference 116505 Black Dial 

The <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/rolex" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rolex</a> <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/rolex/cosmograph-daytona" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cosmograph Daytona</a> Ref. 116515LN was first introduced in 2011, marking the debut of the Everose gold Daytona with a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel. Since its launch, Rolex has released multiple dial variations, including black, brown (“chocolate”), and meteorite options, with updates continuing through 2023.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116515). A rose gold automatic chronograph wristwatch. Circa 2013

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