64 Rolex Extremely Rare and Luxurious, Daytona, Automatic Chronograph Wristwatch, in Yellow Gold, Champagne Dial, Retailed by Garrard & Co, Reference 16 528

Estimate: €60,000 –⁠ 120,000

Model: Daytona
Reference: 16528
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1991
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 4030
Case N°: X758142
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement

The very first family of Rolex Daytona was powered by Valjoux manual winding movements from its inception in 1963. It was not until the introduction of the reference 16 520 in 1988 that all the modernized and larger 40 mm case would accommodate a modified Zenith El Primero automatic caliber, internally renamed the Rolex caliber 4030. This lot is a truly fantastic example of a reference 16 528, featuring a nice case with thick lugs and crisp hallmarks. Considering that the final digit of the reference is “8”, this means that the present lot is the luxurious variant of the Daytona, boasting both the case and Oyster bracelet in yellow gold. Further preciousness is the champagne dial, extremely sought after by collectors considering its rarity and its beauty perfectly matching with the gold case of the watch. Right below 12 o’clock is located the very rare and precious personalization made for Garrard & Co Ltd. Founded in London in 1735 by master silversmith George Wicks, Garrard & Co pioneered the modern concept of jewelry, designing and manufacturing luxury jewelry and silver. The Garrard firm was Crown Jeweler between 1843 and 2007 and was responsible for making and managing the regalia. The firm prepared the Crown Jewels for the coronations of every monarch from King Edward VII (1841–1910) onwards. In 1998 and important events, when Garrard merged with the jewelry firm Asprey to become Asprey & Garrard but then they split up in 2002, with Garrard returning to the Albemarle Street site it first occupied in 1911.