257 Rolex Absolutely Exceptional, Rare and Very Attractive, Daytona, Chronograph Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, With Diamond-Emerald Set Dial and Baguette Diamond Bezel, Reference 16 568, Published in Pucci Papaleo’s Book “Daytona Perpetual”, with

Estimate: € 200,000 –⁠ 400,000

Sold € 273,000

Model: Daytona
Reference: 16568BR
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1994
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 4030
Case N°: W123754
Dimensions: 39 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Box, Papers, Service, Additional Link, Pucc Papaleo’s “Perpetual Daytona” Book and Letter by Confirming the Presence of This Very Watch in the Book “Perpetual Daytona”
Literature: This specific watch is published in Pucci Papaleo’s Book “Daytona Perpetual” at page 171. Sold at Phillips “Rolex Milestones: 38 Legendary Watches That Shaped History—Hong Kong Auction 28 November 2016” as lot 838 for HK$1,500,000

The Rolex Daytona has been, since the beginning of its history, inextricably linked to the world of motor racing. Elegant and very sporty, this model didn’t immediately enjoy great success but year after year it managed to climb positions in the list of the most desired and sought after watches among enthusiasts and collectors. Its style has now become iconic and in these decades Rolex has also ventured and indulged in creating some absolutely fascinating and precious versions of the Daytona. It all started with two special models from the 1980s made on specific request and in limited quantities: references 6269 and 6270. In the 1990s instance, however, Rolex experimented more deeply and realized pieces set with various stones (blue sapphire, ruby, cognac sapphire, to name a few) and with differently cut diamonds: either princess cut or the more impressive baguette-cut diamonds, epitomized by this example with emerald-set numerals—one of the most attractive and rare gems found on Daytona—of the very uncommon reference 16 568. This lot is a truly fantastic example of this special reference, considered a direct descendant of reference 6270 as both references are embellished with precious baguette shape stones. Powered by the caliber 4030, or “El Primero”, the very first automatic chronograph movement by Rolex and produced by Zenith, this lot is featuring a very crisp case with thick lugs. Fitted with a baguette diamond-set bezel and pavé dial, the present watch features wonderfully well-matched emeralds set in yellow-gold batons, in lieu of numerals. Rolex’s craftsmanship is second to none, and really has to be appreciated at the level of skill required to manufacture this watch. Thanks to its sharp yellow-gold case, screw-down pushers and matching yellow-gold Oyster bracelet, it achieves an unmistakable presence on the wrist. Further preciousness is the fact that this very watch is the one that Mr. Pucci Papaleo, one of the most (if not THE most) prominent watches’ book publisher, has decided to insert in its colossal “Perpetual Daytona” book, as confirmed by a letter signed by Mr. Papaleo himself. Sold with its original box, papers, service and additional link, this very watch will also be offered with the “Perpetual Daytona” book.