Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo announced one of the biggest highlights of The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE. An extremely rare and historically significant Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 16528 (case back stamped 16500) in yellow gold is estimated to sell between CHF 100’000 to 200’000.
The early floating dial Daytona reference 16528 is a tribute to the man who helped shape Ayrton Senna’s career from the start, as attested by the message engraved on the caseback: “A Angelo da Ayrton 1978”. Its recipient was Angelo Parrilla, a legend in Karting and the founder of DAP who “discovered” and brought Senna to Italy by establishing a relationship with the then 18-year-old that went far beyond the sporting association.
Apart from all the emotion attached to this watch it is hard to overlook the features that make it stand out on its own. One could contrast the gold, yellow, with the colour that adorned Senna’s helmet during his lifetime. Furthermore, this R series 16528, the earliest iteration of Rolex’s first automatic gold chronograph Daytona, is fitted with the desirable and rare floating dial and Mark 1 bezel prized by collectors.
The present watch is not only offered in superb condition but comes with a series of accessories making it a must have for any Formula One fan including a signed faceguard of Senna’s driving helmet.
Held on the weekend of 11 & 12 May at Hôtel La Réserve, the sale presents 220 collectors’ watches of the highest quality, including some of the most captivating and historically important collectors’ watches presented at auction in recent years.
Manufacturer: Rolex
Year: Circa 1989
Reference No: 16528 case back stamped 16500
Movement No: 12’572
Case No: R944769
Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
Material: 18K yellow gold
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Oyster bracelet, endlinks stamped 103 measuring 190mm max
Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp
Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter
Accessories: Accompanied by autographed picture of Ayrton Senna, and autographed helmet faceguard, letter from Angelo Parrilla confirming the watch was gifted to him, photographs, original box, service guarantee, pouch, product literature.
ABOUT PHILLIPS IN ASSOCIATION WITH BACS & RUSSO
The team of specialists at Phillips Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency, and client service, achieving a sale total of $ 108 million in 2018 – its third consecutive year as the worldwide market leader in watch auctions.
A few record-breaking timepieces include:
Paul Newman’s Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona reference 6239 (CHF 17,709,894/US$17,752,500) – New York Auction:
Winning Icons – 26 October 2017 – Highest result ever achieved for any wristwatch at auction.
Patek Philippe reference 1518 in stainless steel (CHF 11,020,000 /US$11,112,020) – Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR – 12
November 2016 – Highest result ever achieved for a Patek Philippe wristwatch at auction.
ABOUT PHILLIPS
Phillips is a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century art and design. With dedicated expertise in the areas of 20th Century and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewelry, Phillips offers professional services and advice on all aspects of collecting. Auctions and exhibitions are held at salerooms in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, while clients are further served through representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. Phillips also offers an online auction platform accessible anywhere in the world. In addition to providing selling and buying opportunities through auction, Phillips brokers private sales and offers assistance with appraisals, valuations, and other financial services.