DAYTONA MODEL, REF. 16599, CASE NO. U355701, CIRCA 1997

Stone-set Daytonas are among the rarest species of the celebrated model. The design with the 36 baguette-cut sapphire bezel paired with 8 sapphire-set numerals was introduced by Rolex in the 1990s, using the Zenith Calibre 4030. That time marked the beginning of watch collecting as we know it today, when the general public had not yet completely grasped the importance and appeal of these kinds of watches. This lack of immediate recognition, when combined with their high price tag, led to an exceptionally limited production. Estimates indicate that only a handful of such examples are thought to have been made and very few have appeared in public today, rendering the present example a trophy for the aficionado of rare timepieces. In 2000, a new series was launched, with the new inhouse calibre 4130.

The uniformity of the gems in respect to their colour and shape is quite exceptional. By carefully selecting each stone by hand and using specialized machinery usually only found in gemological laboratories, Rolex ensures that every stone adorning their watches is precisely matched in hue. The result is simply remarkable, giving the watch a striking appearance that is hard to describe.