Rolex. A very rare 18K gold and diamond-set automatic chronograph wristwatch with black and brown "camouflage" dial, bracelet, original certificate and box
Lot 414

Rolex. A very rare 18K gold and diamond-set automatic chronograph wristwatch with black and brown "camouflage" dial, bracelet, original certificate and box

SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL, COSMOGRAPH, DAYTONA, REF. 16528, CASE NO. S491861, CIRCA 1993

Closed12 May 2014

Price Realised

CHF 37,500

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Rolex. A very rare 18K gold and diamond-set automatic chronograph wristwatch with black and brown "camouflage" dial, bracelet, original certificate and box
Signed Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Cosmograph, Daytona, ref. 16528, case no. S491861, circa 1993
Cal. 4030 automatic movement, 31 jewels, black and brown "camouflage" dial, diamond-set numerals, luminous hands, three subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30 minutes and 12 hours registers on champagne chapter rings, tonneau-shaped water-resistant-type case, blank bezel calibrated for 400 units, screw back, screw down crown, two screw down chronograph buttons in the band, 18K gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, case, dial and movement signed
39 mm. diam.

Specialist note

With Rolex undated Guarantee, product information and card holder, original fitted wooden presentation box and outer packaging.

The present reference 16528 is one of the exceedingly rare automatic Cosmograph Daytonas featuring a so-called "colour change" or "tropical" dial, more commonly found on vintage models with mechanical movements. The successive transforming of the colour from black or white to various shades of brown or beige was not planned by Rolex but is rather a consequence of a natural oxidation process of the paint, presumably caused by various atmospheric influences and sunlight.

The present watch is graced with a rather spectacular variant of such "tropical" dial, the irregular pattern of black and chocolate brown spots resembling military camouflage clothing combined with the diamond indexes rendering it an extremely appealing and unique look.

Preserved in close to mint condition and still retaining the original protective green sticker to the back as well as the original guarantee and box, the present "camouflage" Daytona is a highlight for the collector of rare timepieces.