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ROLEX DAYTONA REF. 16520 W SERIES SINGER TEST DIAL
Today, Rolex is a vertically integrated company and manufactures almost all of the components that go into its watches. However, until a few years ago, Rolex, like many other Swiss watchmakers, used various companies to produce the individual components, which were then assembled by Rolex to complete the watches. These companies were often family run, of medium/small size, worked only on behalf of third parties, and specialized exclusively in the manufacture of a single part of the watch such as bracelets, cases, movements, dials. Some of the most famous were certainly Gay Freres (bracelets), C.R. Spillman (cases), Singer (dials). During the design of a new watch, Rolex gave hints and guidelines to the various suppliers, who then produced PROTOTYPES or TEST components that could be selected or discarded. Singer submitted several graphic designs to Rolex before the final version of a particular watch’s dial went into production. This was also the case with the production of the Daytona 1652X, where Singer proposed several different dial prototypes. Since those 1652x Singer dials were a factory TEST intended as prototypes for Rolex, very few examples were manufactured and they were never for sale. These prototype-test dials are very rare, only a few have survived to this day and it is extremely difficult to find them on the market.
This Rolex Daytona 16520 W series features a Singer test-prototype white dial with enameled Arabic numerals and contrasting black sub dials with inverted six. This dial is one of the very few known variants made for the Daytona 1652X series. It was probably originally intended for the reference 16519 in white gold, but was later discarded and perhaps also tested for the Daytona reference 16520 in steel. It is quite difficult to say with certainty for which Daytona this dial was specifically made, as it contains typical elements of the final version of 16519 (Roman numerals) and 16520 (contrasting black sub dials). Nevertheless, this test dial by Singer manufactured as a prototype for Rolex is an excellent example of Rolex’s constant pursuit of innovation and close collaboration with its suppliers. The condition of the dial is excellent, there are no marks, halos, scratches, it is absolutely perfect. The watch is in good overall condition and completely correct for the year of production, including the Mk4 bezel, the “Rolex Sa” caseback, the 78390 / 503B / W1 bracelet and the 4030 No. 87, XXX movement. An exceptional, very rare and fascinating watch for the Rolex collector.
Serial number W, 194, XXX / 87, XXX, year 1995 circa.
ROLEX DAYTONA REF. 16520 A SERIES
Introduced in 1988, the Rolex Daytona reference 16520 is considered by many Rolex enthusiasts to be one of the most iconic watches in history. As soon as it was introduced, it immediately became a must-have for collectors of the brand and, as is the case today with the modern reference 116500LN, the wait to get it from the Official Dealers was very long and many were willing to pay a premium to own it immediately. With a completely new esthetic compared to the previous Daytona references 6263/6265 and equipped with innovative technical features such as the Zenith-based automatic caliber 4030, the reference 16520 is undoubtedly one of the most successful and sought-after Rolex watches.
This Rolex Daytona reference 16520 is a superb specimen that stands out for its perfect condition. The case has most likely never polished, the bracelet is tight , the dial is absolutely flawless in every way, the bezel has all numerals intact, the movement works perfectly. The original sticker is still present on the caseback. All components of the watch are correct for the period of production: black last series Swiss Made dial, Mk5 bezel, 16500 “Rolex Sa” caseback, 4030 ser. 172, XXX caliber, 78390A / X4 bracelet. An exceptional, high quality and completely original example of the Daytona 16520 to add to a Rolex collection.
The watch comes without original box and papers.
Serial Number A,146,XXX / 172,XXX Year 2000 circa.
ROLEX DAYTONA REF. 16520 W SERIES
Introduced in 1988, the Rolex Daytona reference 16520 is considered by many Rolex enthusiasts to be one of the most iconic watches in history. As soon as it was introduced, it immediately became a must-have for collectors of the brand and, as is the case today with the modern reference 116500LN, the wait to get it from the Official Dealers was very long and many were willing to pay a premium to own it immediately. With a completely new esthetic compared to the previous Daytona references 6263/6265 and equipped with innovative technical features such as the Zenith-based automatic caliber 4030, the reference 16520 is undoubtedly one of the most successful and sought-after Rolex watches.
The present Rolex Daytona reference 16520 example is in overall exceptional condition. The case is sharp, the bracelet is tight , the dial has no spots or flaws, the bezel has all numerals intact, the movement works perfectly. All components of the watch are correct for the period of production: black T Swiss Made T dial, Mk4 bezel, 16500 “Rolex Sa” caseback, 4030 ser. 116, XXX caliber, 78390/503b/W5 bracelet. An high quality and completely original example of the Daytona 16520 to add to a Rolex collection.
The watch comes without original box and papers.
PATEK PHILIPPE REF. 3406 GOBBI MILANO
The Patek Philippe Ref. 3406 is an extremely rare model and hard to find on the market. The square case in perfect Art Deco style and the L-shaped indexes on the four corners are very distinctive and set it apart from other Patek Philippe references. The dial bears the double signature “Patek Philippe” and “Gobbi Milano”. Gobbi is a prestigious jewelry and watch store founded in 1842 and based in Milan. Just a fraction of Patek Philippe watches retailed by Gobbi came with a double signature. The presence of the Italian Jeweler name Gobbi on the dial makes this watch much more desirable than a standard specimen.
The overall condition of this rare Patek Philippe wristwatch is truly exceptional. The champagne dial with the “Gobbi Milano” lettering is flawless showing just some minor signs of aging, the case is most likely unpolished with deep hallmarks, the hand wound caliber works perfectly. Undoubtedly a timepiece of great appeal for the collector of unusual shape vintage Patek Philippe wristwatches. The watch comes with Extract from the Archives Patek Philippe.
AUDEMARS PIGUET QUANTIEME PERPETUEL REF. 25736PT MOTHER OF PEARL DIAL
Since its founding in 1881, Audemars Piguet has specialized in the manufacture of complication watches. AP is still considered a leader in the field of pocket watches and wristwatches with grand complications. An important milestone in the history of the Manufacture was reached in 1978 with the introduction of the caliber Quantieme Perpetuele Automatique 2120/2800, at the time the thinnest perpetual movement in the world. This caliber enabled Audemars Piguet to produce magnificent watches with ultra-thin cases such as this very rare perpetual calendar wristwatch ref. 25736PT.
With its platinum case and matching bracelet, the gorgeous bluish mother of pearl dial the present timepiece is undoubtedly a true grail for the collector. The present timepiece is piece unique as confirmed by the AP archives. Through the sapphire caseback, the exceptionally refined caliber 2120/2800 can be admired.
Extraordinarily preserved the watch is in pristine condition and shows only a few signs of wear on the case and bracelet. The renowned caliber 2120/2800 runs flawlessly, the dial is completely flawless and shows no cracks or scratches. The beautiful bracelet has no stretch and appears to have never been taken to size.
The watch comes with a certificate of authenticity from Audemars Piguet confirming the MOP dial and platinum case and bracelet.
Serial Number D78XX-367XXX, Year 1993 – Piece Unique.