With probably the exception of a one-of-a-kind white gold model produced in 1971, the first Daytona made in white gold was introduced in 1997 with reference 16519, exclusively fitted with a leather strap. However, several examples with a serial number starting with W have been observed, theoretically corresponding to a production in 1995. They could either be pre-series examples, or watches actually marketed in 1997, but with cases made around 1995.
The black-dial version was identical to its steel counterpart, but the white one featured a distinctive characteristic with the hour-markers replaced by Arabic numerals, except at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. More “exotic” versions were produced with hardstone, mother-of-pearl or diamond-pavé dials.
Only 3 versions were produced with colored dials (hardstone or MOP) and 8 diamonds for the hour markers. Notably, two different colors of MOP dials were offered: pink or yellow (in addition to the more common white one).
That means that the complete collection of 16519s equipped with colored dials and diamond markers consists of 4 extremely rare watches:
This is probably the very first time that such a complete and qualitative collection of Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16519s is proposed for sale.
The actual owner, who’s is a very well known watch collector, has decided to sell his full series of four models, all presented in excellent condition, with all their original documents and boxes.
Obviously, each watch was originally fitted with these dials by Rolex at the time of production. They are in no way service dials installed at a later date.
This unique collection of four models in excellent condition and presented with their original full set is now being offered for sale exclusively by WATCHFID. It is proposed as a unique lot.
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With probably the exception of a one-of-a-kind white gold model produced in 1971, the first Daytona made in white gold was introduced in 1997 with reference 16519, exclusively fitted with a leather strap. However, several examples with a serial number starting with W have been observed, theoretically corresponding to a production in 1995. They could either be pre-series examples, or watches actually marketed in 1997, but with cases made around 1995.
The black-dial version was identical to its steel counterpart, but the white one featured a distinctive characteristic with the hour-markers replaced by Arabic numerals, except at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. More “exotic” versions were produced with hardstone, mother-of-pearl or diamond-pavé dials.
Only 3 versions were produced with colored dials (hardstone or MOP) and 8 diamonds for the hour markers. Notably, two different colors of MOP dials were offered: pink or yellow (in addition to the more common white one).
That means that the complete collection of 16519s equipped with colored dials and diamond markers consists of 4 extremely rare watches:
This is probably the very first time that such a complete and qualitative collection of Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16519s is proposed for sale.
The actual owner, who’s is a very well known watch collector, has decided to sell his full series of four models, all presented in excellent condition, with all their original documents and boxes.
Obviously, each watch was originally fitted with these dials by Rolex at the time of production. They are in no way service dials installed at a later date.
This unique collection of four models in excellent condition and presented with their original full set is now being offered for sale exclusively by WATCHFID. It is proposed as a unique lot.
Rolex launched its Cosmograph Daytona chronograph in 1963.
Although it is now a watchmaking icon, the model’s beginnings were actually more laborious than one might imagine. Its special status was not built in a day and stems from a combination of several factors.
Rolex played the diversity card right from the outset with models in steel and yellow gold, as well as two dial color combinations for each metal. In the second half of the 1960s, Rolex further enriched its range with an “exotic” dial, available for all versions, again in two colors. Although these dials didn’t immediately win over the public, they did make a major (and unintentional) contribution to the Daytona myth: they are in fact the famous “Paul Newman” dials, named after the actor and racing driver, himself a 1960s icon who was photographed on numerous occasions with his “exotic” Daytona on his wrist.
It was precisely these few photos of Paul Newman with his “exotic” Daytona that started the craze for the Daytona in general and the “Paul Newman” in particular. The Daytona was also much appreciated by other racing drivers and celebrities of the time and this doubtless contributed to the model’s reputation.
Daytona sales in the 1980s were nonetheless not impressive, probably because of its high price compared to quartz models.
In 1988 however, Rolex significantly upgraded the model with a self-winding movement, enlarging its size from 37 to 40 millimeters in diameter and equipping it with a sapphire crystal.
Reference 16520 was launched in 1988: with this reference, Rolex broke his tradition by introducing the automatic caliber 4030 based on a heavily modified Zenith El-Primero movement.
The reference 16519 was the white gold counterpart to the stainless steel 16520 – offered instead on a leather strap.
Hardstone and MOP dials
The use of hardstone and mother-of-pearl dials by Rolex started during the 70’s, on Day-Date or Datejust models for instance, but it was only during the 1990s that the brand introduced those extremely rare and luxurious dials on the Daytona.
A pre-cursor to the beloved “Beach” series from the early 2000s, reference 16519s with colored dials show that experimentation with color is an expressive part of the Rolex way.
The story of Rolex began in London in 1905 when Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis founded Wilsdorf & Davis, a watch company that soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company. In 1919, Rolex moved its headquarters to Geneva. The brand’s success can be attributed to many “early” innovations, including the famous “Oyster” case in 1926 and the “Perpetual” self-winding movement for wristwatches in 1933. Among the most prestigious brand name in the world, Rolex has developed world-renowned collections such as the Oyster Perpetual, Datejust, Day-Date, as well as professional collections: Explorer, Submariner, GMT-Master, Daytona.
The purpose of this document is to determine whether the constituent parts of the watch are conform to the model reference /period or not, and to value their condition and importance.
All the watches are provided with a digital certificate (the Watchfid-ID), that will be uploaded on your protected and anonymous digital wallet.
This document presents each watch in the most objective and detailed manner possible, thanks to a substantiated analysis, high-resolution photos designed to highlight all elements of the watch and an innovative rating system. Available in printed and digital versions.
On request and when available, an extract of the archives from the manufacturer can be obtained.
