Rare 1999 Platinum Rolex Daytona to Auction at Sotheby’s
A unique timepiece is drawing significant attention as it approaches the auction block at Sotheby’s Geneva. The 1999 platinum Rolex Daytona, featuring a mother-of-pearl dial adorned with diamond hour markers, is one of only four such watches known to be in existence. Experts estimate it could sell for as much as $1.7 million on Sunday.
Exceptional Craftsmanship and Rarity
This particular Rolex Daytona is noteworthy not only because of its material composition—platinum—but also for its custom design, as Rolex did not commonly produce Daytona models in platinum until 2013. This watch was specially commissioned, a rare occurrence for the brand.
“It’s very unusual to come across a commission,” stated Pedro Reiser, a senior watch specialist at Sotheby’s. “Other brands may offer customization regularly, but this is not the case with Rolex, where commissions are extremely rare.”
Historical Significance
All four watches were created for the same family, each featuring a different dial design. The watch set to be auctioned is the last one remaining for sale, with the others having previously fetched prices exceeding $3 million.
Created during the tenure of Patrick Heiniger, who served as Rolex’s CEO from 1992 to 2008, this timepiece is emblematic of the luxury brand’s evolution during a period marked by both secrecy and expansion.
Speculation and Myths
While there have been claims that Heiniger personally commissioned or wore a similar model, Reiser notes that no confirmed connections exist. “That’s more of a rumor,” he mentioned. “I’ve never seen him with this piece, and although he was known to favor platinum watches, particularly Day-Date models, the anecdote remains unverified.”
The Watch’s Unique Features
This particular piece is distinguished by its diamond-set dial, a feature that sets it apart from its siblings, which were designed with dark mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli, or turquoise dials. The existence of a platinum Zenith Daytona before 2013 adds to its allure and value.
Market Trends and Investment Potential
As the market for luxury watches continues to expand, the demand for rare pieces has seen prices rise significantly. Recent reports indicate that the value of watches has increased by over 125% over the past decade, solidifying their status alongside rare whisky and high-end furniture as top luxury investments. Even with a slight cooldown, a 1.7% increase in the past year reflects a robust market for collectors.
Reiser noted that this interest is further fueled by a growing number of international buyers and younger collectors, particularly those under 30, who are increasingly viewing rare watches as viable investment opportunities.
