Description

The Daytona story began like a love story with racecar drivers, one of the most successful drivers used to wear Rolex watches was Sir Malcom Campbell who set many speed records in Europe and in a Florida city called Daytona Beach, he attracted the attention of Rolex and became their ambassador.

In 1955 version, the Reference 6234, was labeled the “Rolex Chronograph” a pre-Daytona model.
The birth, in 1963 the Rolex Chronograph reference 6239 with a tachometer scale engrave on the bezel to enhance readability of the dial was released, incredibly the initial name Rolex used was “Le Mans”, another famous racetrack based in France.  It’s only by 1965 that the *Daytona* name started to be printed on the dial of the 6239.

Surprisingly the Daytona wasn’t a success back then, despite celebrities like Paul Newman endorsing it.
Eventually the model became popular and a more modern version was released in 1988 using an automatic Zenith “El Primero” modified movement, the reference 16520 (steel), reference 16523 (in steel and gold) and reference 16528 (in yellow gold).  Main difference was the case size of 40mm, 3mm bigger than its predecessor and the adoption of a sapphire crystal to replace the Plexiglas.  The limited supply helped the watch achieve a cult status.

By 2000, Rolex started to use an in-house movement on the new 1165xx series, the steel version remains as of today the most sought after model of the entire catalogue.

Eye Catcher Yellow Gold Rolex Daytona with Pink Sapphires – ref. 16588SARO

The present reference is the rare 16588SARO Zenith Daytona with its pink sapphire bezel and yellow gold case – a testament to the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship in the realm of luxury timepieces.

Assembled with the utmost precision, this watch is encased in 18 ct yellow gold, embedding the luscious radiance of the 24 baton-set pink sapphires that grace its bezel. The fixed golden bars that segment the sapphires add even more emphasis on the gemstones.
These gems catch the light and the eye, ensuring that this watch is more than an instrument of time—it is a piece of art.

This very unique combination of a striking black matte dial is complemented by the gold sub-dials which match the case, as well as luminous markers and hands making the face of this Daytona a balance of opulence and legibility.
One should not that usually this reference is known to come with a diamond paved dial but our watch seems be be born or at least is registered with this black dial as per the Rolex system (screenshot available upon request).

At the heart of this watch beats the famous Rolex Calibre 4030 based on the Zenith El Primero, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement that’s a signature of reliability and engineering. This configuration makes this watch even more
collectible.

It is paired with an elegant black leather strap with a 18 ct yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp.

Our watch is in overall very good condition, the dial shows some sign of ageing around the sub-dials, case has a good shape and the stones are in perfect condition. Watch has been serviced and runs perfectly, viewing by appointement only.

Rolex – bio

Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, initially as Wilsdorf & Davis Ltd. Renamed Rolex by 1908 and moved its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland in 1919.  Their success is due to their innovation namely the legendary “Oyster” case – first water resistant watch and their extremely reliable movements.
The most famous models are Datejust, Day-Date, Daytona, Explorer, GMT-Master, Submariner and many more.
The company is owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a family private trust.
One story, never confirmed by Wilsdorf, recounts that the name came from the French words “horlogerie exquise”‘è, meaning “exquisite clockwork”.