RolexDaytona

KEY FACTS

• A rare and sought-after ‘Zenith’ Daytona ref. 16519 featuring a blue sodalite dial with factory diamond-set markers 
• Offered by a trade seller based in Geneva, Switzerland
• Presented with its wooden display box, booklets, wallets, calendar card, swing tag, travel pouch, and a Rolex Service Centre card pertaining to a service carried out in August 2022
• The watch is paired with an unworn factory Rolex crocodile strap 
• Currently under Rolex’s service centre two-year guarantee 
• Service stickers are still in place on the case flanks 
• Graded ‘A’ for condition by the vendor who reports the watch to be in good working order

FUNCTIONS

• Hours, minutes, small seconds, and 12-hour chronograph
• Powered by the chronometer-certified calibre 4030 (modified Zenith El Primero)
• Automatic winding with a 54-hour power reserve

SUMMARY

A watch of significant provenance, this 1998 Rolex Daytona is a curious footnote in the history of The Crown's eponymous motorsport-inspired watch. Its standout feature is the sodalite dial, which is both rare and desirable in the world of Daytonas. This ornamental gemstone takes its name from the high sodium content and has a distinctive pitted and speckled matte-blue finish. Adding to the watch’s visual appeal are applique white gold markers and the red “DAYTONA” script that subtly curves around the sub-register at 6 o’clock. The 40mm case and Oyster bracelet are fashioned from solid 18K white gold, offering plenty of heft and complementing the dial’s eye-catching blue hue. Impressive aesthetics aside, this reference also houses a Zenith movement, which is rare and highly sought-after by collectors and distinguishes this generation of Daytonas from more contemporary examples with Rolex’s in-house movement. This lot represents an opportunity to acquire a highly collectable example of Rolex’s archetypal sports watch.  

All watches offered for sale are searched and cleared against The Watch Register database and a certificate is available to the winning bidder upon request.

Any watch not covered by a current sales or service warranty should be considered as potentially requiring a service, even if in full working order on the date of purchase.

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