A Closer Look
Four Iconic Rolex Chronographs
When Rolex introduced the Daytona in 1963, it took the brand into the modern era, introducing many features that would soon become staples of the Rolex chronograph.
This new evolution of the Rolex chronograph featured clear registers with contrasting dials and durable, water-resistant Oyster cases. Plus, for the first time on a Rolex chronograph, the scale was moved from the dial to the bezel. In the years since its creation, the Daytona has seen slight modifications over the years, including adjustments to the grading of the scale, types of measurements, and the addition of more waterproof features.
Sports watches are among the most popular on the market right now, and the Rolex Daytona is at the top of any collector’s list. Our current Watches Online auction, live for bidding May 21 – 31, features several variations on the Daytona. Read on to learn more about four versions of the iconic chronograph.
Lot 9
Rolex. A Well Preserved Stainless Steel Manual Chronograph Wristwatch with Bracelet
Lot 9. Rolex. A Well Preserved Stainless Steel Manual Chronograph Wristwatch with Bracelet. Estimate $60,000- 90,000
Lot 9. Rolex. A Well Preserved Stainless Steel Manual Chronograph Wristwatch with Bracelet. Estimate $60,000- 90,000
Lot 9 presents collectors with the opportunity to acquire a late “pre-Daytona” variation of a Rolex chronograph. Before the Daytona adopted a scale on the bezel, the scale was featured on the dial. On this reference 6239, the tachometer is printed on a well-preserved, original, and incredibly light cyan dial.
Presented with its original box, guarantee and hang tags, this chronograph shows the final iteration of the Oyster Rolex chronograph before the Daytona name was given in 1963.
Lot 5
Rolex. A Rare 18k Gold and Stainless-steel Automatic Chronograph Bracelet Watch With 'Porcelain Floating Dial' and Zenith Movement
Lot 5. Rolex. A Rare 18k Gold and Stainless-steel Automatic Chronograph Bracelet Watch With 'Porcelain Floating Dial' and Zenith Movement. Estimate: $20,000-40,000
Lot 5. Rolex. A Rare 18k Gold and Stainless-steel Automatic Chronograph Bracelet Watch With 'Porcelain Floating Dial' and Zenith Movement. Estimate: $20,000-40,000
One of the most sought-after variations of the Rolex Daytona is present in lot 5. Reference 16523 comes in two-toned stainless steel with 18k gold accents, highlighted by its rare ‘porcelain’ dial.
The dial appears to have more depth than later versions due to its thick lacquer printing, which gives the dial the appearance of porcelain- and thus, its nickname. The “Cosmograph” moniker on the dial is printed slightly lower than the other lines, giving this watch the full nickname of “Floating Cosmograph Porcelain Dial.” The dial was only used for the first two years of production.
The exceptional dial, case, Zenith movement, and first year 200 scale bezel makes lot 5 one of the rarest of the automatic references.
Lots 6 & 7
Rolex. An 18k Gold and Stainless Steel Chronograph Bracelet Watch
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Rolex. An 18k Gold Automatic Chronograph Bracelet Watch with Zenith Movement
Lot 6. Rolex. An 18k Gold and Stainless Steel Chronograph Bracelet Watch. Lot 7. Rolex. An 18k Gold Automatic Chronograph Bracelet Watch with Zenith Movement.
Lot 6. Rolex. An 18k Gold and Stainless Steel Chronograph Bracelet Watch. Lot 7. Rolex. An 18k Gold Automatic Chronograph Bracelet Watch with Zenith Movement.
Lot 6 is also reference 16523. However, this model was created a decade after the “Floating Cosmograph Porcelain Dial,” and it includes features that the Daytona solidified after its initial run in 1988-89.
Lot 7 is a reference 16528 Daytona in all 18k gold. Like lot 6, this model still contains the automatic Zenith based movement, with text evenly spaced to the dial and a 400-base bezel.
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