255 Rolex Exclusive and Highly Attractive, Daytona, Automatic Chronograph Wristwatch in Gold, With Rare Pink Sapphire-set Bezel, Reference 16588

Estimate: € 90,000 –⁠ 180,000

Sold € 226,200

Model: Daytona
Reference: 16588
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1996
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 4030
Case N°: W030088
Dimensions: 39 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case

In the middle of the 20th century, bejeweled chronographs were not part of the standard collections of most watchmaking companies: the very few examples available were made under special orders that were mostly crafted by external jewelers who mount the gems on normal production models. Once again Rolex introduces revolutionary changes with the production of reference 6269 and reference 6270. Despite produced in very small numbers, they are nowadays universally considered parts of the Rolex standard production and feature in their catalogues alongside other Daytona. From that moment on the road was drawn and chronographs, time-only, super-complicated wristwatch embellished with precious stones started to appear more often in the brand’s catalogues. In 1996, at the Basel Fair, was introduced the reference 16588SAFU, further evolution of the automatic Daytona Cosmograph but equipped with a striking baguette-cut pink sapphire-set bezel, such as the lot here offered. Produced in a very small quantity, the 18k yellow-gold case of the present specimen is finely preserved, housing the caliber 4030, Rolex’s self-winding Zenith-El Primero-based movement.