909/​800

Rolex

A wristwatch of 18k gold and steel. Model Daytona ''Winner'', ref. 116503. Mechanical COSC chronograph movement with automatic winding, cal. 4130. White dial with 18k gold hour markers and hands. Rolex “Oyster” bracelet of 18k gold and steel with folding clasp. Circumference app. 17.5 cm. Watch diameter 40 mm. 2017.

Middle case no. 116503. Caseback no. 2100. Movement no. 9103Z701. Serial no. VY344027. Endlink no. 3QP. Bracelet no. 78593. Folding clasp no. 3QP.

Accompanied by ''Winner'' dedicated Rolex box decorated with racing tyre tracks and interior with oversized Rolex logo, manual, hangtag, bezel-protector, two additional 18k gold and steel Rolex links and certificate authorized from Rolex Watch U.S.A. Inc. from 2017.

Just like any other category of art and design, the value of a wristwatch tends to increase with rarity and collectability. If a certain Rolex Daytona is co-signed with the name of a particular retailer, the price-tag will naturally increase, as the amount of such timepieces is more limited. There are, however, some watches where a price cannot be determined before the sale, as they rarely appear on the market. This Rolex Daytona is one such watch.

In 2017, Michael Christensen, together with his four Porsche co-drivers Jesse Lazare, Daniel Morad, Carlos de Quesada and Michael de Quesada fought in the GTD-class of Rolex 24 at Daytona. They were driving a Porsche 911 GT3 R and it was Christensen’s first ever 24 hour race in Daytona with this team. Throughout the entire race, the Porsche team were close to the front, but it was during the night that Michael Christensen managed to take the lead for the first time. Cold tires and heavy rain did however push the team back into the bunch again. Two hours before the end, Christensen got in the car again, at this time in 7th place - more than 30 seconds behind the leading car. That was the point where Christensen had to fight and give it his absolute best. After 24 exhausting hours, with courage, skills and a little bit of luck, Christensen was the first to cross the finish line in front of the other 26 cars that were in the race.

Not many people get to experience such a thrilling car race as this – let alone behind the wheel. If one does however get to win Rolex 24 at Daytona, the trophy, apart from an actual trophy, is an incredibly rare and attractive Rolex Daytona wristwatch that has been presented to each winner of the race since Rolex became the official sponsor in 1992. Although the watch looks like the standard model that can be found in any Rolex boutique, the one that is awarded at this race has some additional specific features. Firstly, the case back exterior is inscribed with “Rolex 24 Daytona 2017 – Winner”. Secondly, the Rolex box that comes with the watch is decorated with a racing track and an oversized interior Rolex font designed specifically for this watch. Lastly, the certificate is quite unique, as the purchaser is stated to be ‘’Rolex 24 2017’’. All these attributes, in addition to the fascinating connection between motorsport and Rolex, are what makes this watch an incredibly sought-after trophy timepiece that is seldom available on the market.

Auction

Watches, 29 September 2022

Category
Estimate

250,000–300,000 DKK

Sold

Price realised

500,000 DKK