Rolex Gem-Set Daytona El Primero
$249,000.00
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Highly coveted and exceptionally rare, this Rolex Daytona Cosmograph "El Primero" is a masterpiece of horology and one of the most significant timepieces currently available. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, this automatic chronograph is powered by the legendary Zenith El Primero movement—Rolex's first self-winding chronograph caliber. Between 1988 and 2000, Rolex used Zenith’s legendary movement due to its unique position as the first, and arguably greatest, automatic chronograph base movement.
With production numbers for these Zenith-powered Daytona watches already limited, this example stands apart as one of the rarest of all—a factory gem-set edition featuring a dazzling diamond-paved dial with applied ruby hour markers. While Rolex does not release production numbers, the production run of this gem-set el Primero-powered model is certainly in the high single digits to low mid-teens.
This watch remains in pristine, unworn condition, with its original factory tape intact. The Oyster bracelet, crafted in solid 18K gold, showcases Rolex’s signature matte-finished outer links and polished inner links, protected by the original factory tape. The case is fitted with the signature screw-down crown and pushers, ensuring water resistance, while the "400 Units per Hour" graduated bezel features a tachymeter scale for precision timekeeping. The dial layout features a 30-minute subdial at 3 o’clock, a running seconds subdial at 9 o’clock and a 12-hour subdial at 6 o’clock.
This extraordinary Daytona chronograph is accompanied by its complete original set, including the correct inner and outer Rolex boxes, the leather wallet, the original guarantee dated April 1994 with the correct serial numbers, the warranty dated April 1994 with dealer stamp Knobloch (Germany), a service warranty dated June 5, 2023, the original polishing cloth, all original booklets, and two Rolex tags, including the price tag and hang tag. A true collector’s treasure, this reference embodies the pinnacle of Rolex’s craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Created in 1963, the Rolex Daytona Cosmograph was inspired by the Daytona 500 and remains one of the most iconic watches from one of the most iconic brands, and this unworn factory gem-set yellow gold model with a Zenith El Primero movement is among the most exceptional.
Circa 1991
Case: 40mm
Ref. 16528
Signed "Rolex"
Rolex Gem-Set Daytona El Primero
$249,000.00
With production numbers for these Zenith-powered Daytona watches already limited, this example stands apart as one of the rarest of all—a factory gem-set edition featuring a dazzling diamond-paved dial with applied ruby hour markers. While Rolex does not release production numbers, the production run of this gem-set el Primero-powered model is certainly in the high single digits to low mid-teens.
This watch remains in pristine, unworn condition, with its original factory tape intact. The Oyster bracelet, crafted in solid 18K gold, showcases Rolex’s signature matte-finished outer links and polished inner links, protected by the original factory tape. The case is fitted with the signature screw-down crown and pushers, ensuring water resistance, while the "400 Units per Hour" graduated bezel features a tachymeter scale for precision timekeeping. The dial layout features a 30-minute subdial at 3 o’clock, a running seconds subdial at 9 o’clock and a 12-hour subdial at 6 o’clock.
This extraordinary Daytona chronograph is accompanied by its complete original set, including the correct inner and outer Rolex boxes, the leather wallet, the original guarantee dated April 1994 with the correct serial numbers, the warranty dated April 1994 with dealer stamp Knobloch (Germany), a service warranty dated June 5, 2023, the original polishing cloth, all original booklets, and two Rolex tags, including the price tag and hang tag. A true collector’s treasure, this reference embodies the pinnacle of Rolex’s craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Created in 1963, the Rolex Daytona Cosmograph was inspired by the Daytona 500 and remains one of the most iconic watches from one of the most iconic brands, and this unworn factory gem-set yellow gold model with a Zenith El Primero movement is among the most exceptional.
Circa 1991
Case: 40mm
Ref. 16528
Signed "Rolex"