Phillips Hong Kong Auction 29 November 2020 | Rolex Daytona "Mustard Dial"Ref. 116520 sold for EUR 183'446

LOT 866

Rolex Ref. 116520
A very fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “mustard” dial, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box
勞力士，「Cosmograph Daytona」型號116520，十分精細罕有，精鋼自動計時鏈帶腕錶，備變色錶盤，約2000年製。附錶盒、原裝證書

Circa 2000
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$380,000 - 780,000 
€41,500-85,100
$48,700-100,000

SOLD FOR HK$1,701,000

EUR 183'446

Manufacturer: Rolex
Year: Circa 2000
Reference No: 116520
Case No: P421’525
Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Mustard Dial"
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
Dimensions: 40mm diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated 8th September 2001 stamped Heller Jewelers, instruction manual, product literature, 2000-2001 calendar card, green passport holder, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Provenance: The present example is the exact timepiece that is featured in the Pucci Papaleo’s “Ultimate Rolex Daytona” book page 71.

Provenance
The present example is the exact timepiece that is featured in the Pucci Papaleo’s “Ultimate Rolex Daytona” book page 71.

Catalogue Essay

Introduced in 2000, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116520 was an important milestone for the firm bearing for the first time the very first in-house self-winding chronograph movement cal. 4130 manufactured by Rolex. Replacing its predecessor ref. 16520, the new model also had its own charms in various examples, especially early ones featuring a white dial.

With anything that is manmade, even a prestigious manufacturer such as Rolex with extremely strict quality control protocols can also make mistakes. Between 2000 and 2002, examples fitted with white dials with either serials P,K and Y were known to have developed a change in hue of the dial to “cream” over time due to a natural defect of the varnish used. Resulting in what can be described as a “beautiful mistake”, examples featuring this colour changing trait are very rare and highly sought after in the market as it altered the whole appearance of the watch giving it a heightened vintage appeal. Developed over time in random manner, every example is perhaps different from one another as the intensity of the hue can vary.

The present example Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116520 with a “mustard” dial belongs an early example of the reference with a P serial from circa 2000. Separating itself from the rest, the present example has developed an intensified change in colour of the dial. Well-preserved, the present example is further accompanied by its original guarantee and presentation box.