223 Rolex A rare and remarkable, Daytona, chronograph wristwatch in steel and yellow gold, with champagne diamond-set dial, full set, reference 116523.

Estimate: € 14,000 –⁠ 28,000

Born to meet the exacting demands of endurance racing drivers, this chronograph was conceived as the pinnacle of horological engineering, an instrument of absolute precision timekeeping. More than half a century after its initial appearance, the Cosmograph Daytona continues to reign supreme in the realm of sports chronographs, an icon that transcends trends and eras. The reference model 116 523 marks a pivotal moment in the Daytona’s history, being the first stainless steel and yellow-gold example to house the Rolex in-house caliber 4130. This movement, the culmination of years of research and development, took the place of the legendary Zenith El Primero caliber 4030, elevating performance and reliability to new heights. The 40mm steel Oyster case, robust and waterproof, is embellished with the distinctive Daytona gold bezel, an element that underscores its sporty elegance. The two-tone combination of steel and 18k gold lends this model unparalleled versatility, making it suitable for any occasion, from the racetrack to the most formal of settings. The champagne dial, in impeccable condition, is a veritable masterpiece of design, with the “Daytona” signature in red standing out boldly and the applied diamond-set indexes adding a touch of understated luxury. This particular example is accompanied by its complete set of accoutrements: the Rolex International Guarantee, a testament to its authenticity and quality, the original booklet, which recounts its history and technical characteristics, and the presentation box, an elegant coffer to safeguard this treasure of time.