DATEJUST MODEL, REF. 116285BBR, CASE NO. A17F8934, CIRCA 2015

The present watch represents a compelling opportunity to witness the experimentalism for which Rolex is famous. Reference 116285BBR, cased in 18k pink gold, is distinguished by an animalier dial bearing a zebra-stripe pattern that is at once visually stunning and technically complex. Interestingly, it was manufactured around the same time the Daytona Leopard was in production, denoting a specific direction the designers at Rolex were working toward. The black stripes are lacquered, while the white ones are realized with brilliant-cut diamonds. The bezel is not only set with tapered baguette-cut diamonds, but the visual impact is further maximized by a second layer of diamonds set into the side of the bezel. The sparkle of diamonds remains noticeable even when looking at the watch from the side.