Rolex An extremely rare and outstanding stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Rolex at Daytona 24, 2014 Winner” case back, bracelet, international warranty and special “Daytona” presentation box
40 mm. Diameter
The present lot is an exclusive trophy of triumph, speed and extraordinary fervor, both literally and figuratively speaking. Referred as “the Winner”, the present reference 116520 is one of the reasons why every year professional racecar drivers around the world amass in Daytona Beach, Florida, and compete at the Daytona International Speedway. Presented as a victorious memento to principals and drivers of the winning team of the “Rolex at Daytona 24” racing event in 2014, this watch represents the spirit of Rolex and what the brand proudly stands for – vigor, victory and vivacity.
Extremely rare and irresistibly eye-catching, this particular stainless steel chronograph model with “Rolex at Daytona 24, 2014 Winner” case back appears at public auction for the very first time.
The history of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona series is inseparable from the brand’s close ties with motor racing. Rolex’s long-standing patronage and support for motor sports harkens back to the late 1950s, for which the manufacturer was a partner of track racing in Daytona Beach from its very beginning. Since 1992, Rolex has been title sponsor of the celebrated 24-hour challenge called “Rolex at Daytona 24” – one of the most renowned and revered endurance races in the world. In 2014, Action Express Racing (AER) took the overall win with its #5 Chevrolet Corvette DP driven by Christian Fittipaldi, Sébastien Bourdais and Jo?o Barbosa. The margin of victory was slim, a mere one and a half seconds, as the compact Daytona International Speedway track characteristically kept the winning permutation open until the very end.
In production between 2000 and 2016, the reference 116520 is one of the most relished watch models among collectors. First released in the year of the millennium, the model replaced the preceding 16520 reference, offering a refreshing new case design and a thoroughly upgraded movement which was the brand’s first in-house chronograph movement. The present watch is certainly one of the most unobtainable and exclusive Daytonas, thanks to the crisp and mint “Rolex at Daytona 24, 2014 Winner” engraving at the back which cannot be bought.
The present Cosmograph Daytona is, by all means, a supreme grail for serious Daytona enthusiasts. Completed with international warranty and a special Rolex “Daytona” tyre track green leather fitted presentation box, the present lot is a truly exceptional timepiece in the history of horology and motor sports.