76 Rolex Highly Exclusive, Impressive and Attractive, Daytona, Automatic Chronograph in White Gold, Sapphire-Set Bezel, Full Diamond-Pavè and Sapphire Indexes Dial, Reference 16589SACI
Estimate: €140,000 – 280,000
Sold (Premium)€201,500
Model: Daytona
Reference: 16589SACI
Case Material: White Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1998
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 4030
Case N°: U355687
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
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 introduced revolutionary changes with the production of references 6269 and 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. Yet, with the introduction of the automatic Daytona, the manufacture gradually incorporated elaborate designs in its line of production due to changing tastes in the market and thus in 1996, at the Basel Fair, was introduced to the reference 16588SAFU, further evolution of the automatic Daytona Cosmograph but equipped with a striking baguette-cut set bezel. The present watch, reference 16 589 is fitted with a white-gold case and automatic movement. Produced in a very small quantity, the white-gold case of the present specimen is incredibly well preserved, housing the caliber 4030, Zenith self-winding movement. Of all Daytona cased in precious metals, the most exclusive and desirable variant, is the one fitted with a factory baguette bezel. The present watch is fitted with translucent and rich blue sapphires, which complements the blue sapphire numbers. Furthermore, this very dial is the rarest one could possibly ask for, the full pave diamond one, shiny as rarely seen in Rolex’s history and beautiful as very few. Worn sparingly, the case is preserved in excellent condition, crisp and legible hallmarks beneath the lugs.