Artisans de GenèveDaytona

Offered by a private collector, this 2021 Artisans de Geneve “Mika Hakkinen Challenge” is accompanied by its presentation box, papers, spare leather strap and loupe. The vendor advises the watch is unworn and its condition appears to be consistent with the vendor’s AAA grading. 

This Rolex Daytona, which started life as a steel ref. 116520, was created in collaboration with double Formula 1 world champion, Mika Häkkinen. It blends classic watchmaking codes and the high-speed world of F1. The dial has been entirely open-worked and features blue and orange accents - explicitly chosen by Hakkinen to recall the race tracks where he achieved success. The coloured accents also extend to the crown, which has been given a sporty blue stripe. The custom bezel is constructed from a patented Grade 5 titanium which is sandblasted and adorned with an engraved tachymeter scale. The dial has been cut out with a symmetrical rendering, reminiscent of sportscar racing. It too is sandblasted, then finished with an anthracite coating.

Inside the case, Rolex’s 4130 movement has been skeletonised in homage to a Formula 1 engine, and a lightweight titanium case back with sapphire crystal on the watch’s underside offers a window to view the expertly modified calibre.

Since 2005, Les Artisans de Geneve have customised and modified watches exclusively for individual clients. Their client list includes sporting stars and artists for whom the bespoke watchmakers combine traditional Swiss techniques with modern technology to remodel and transform standard manufacturer specifications.

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.

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