Rolex

 • cal. Zenith 4030 automatic lever movement, 31 jewels, mono-metallic balance • black dial, diamond-set indexes, variant for the 13 index, three subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour registers • 18k yellow gold Oyster case with crown guard, bezel calibrated for 400 units per hour, screw-down crown and chronograph pushers • with an 18k yellow gold Rolex bracelet and folding clasp • case, dial, movement and bracelet signed • with original certificate, presentation case and a letter signed by Chairman of Rolex confirming authenticity of the variant '13' on the dial

Movement running while cataloguing, functions appear to be fully operational, a service is also recommended in the future in order to be well preserved. Dial with few minimal in a very well preserved condition with this variant '13', making it a very special one for all Rolex aficionados. The case is in a very good condition. Overall this is an extremely rare example with the letter of authencity of the variant '13' signed by the chairman of Rolex.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The magical story of 'The Daytona 13' begins in 1989 when a private customer goes to the local Rolex retailer to purchase the latest model, reference 16528, a gold Cosmograph Daytona. This collector on the day of his purchase goes back home wearing the watch on his wrist, enjoying it as much as possible like all Rolex afficionados. After meticulously putting the presentation case and original certificate in a safe, he continues to enjoy his new watch for another three days and suddenly while glancing at the dial notices an error on the 15 minutes Arabic indication showing instead the number 13. His first reaction is, 'this is a mistake, I will immediately write to Rolex in Geneva to have this fixed'. While his letter is sent to the Rolex headquarters in Geneva, he receives back the response from its Chairman at the time, Mr. Heinegger, who by writing confirms the printing error on the 13 indication marker. At the same time, he offers to the client to replace this variant 13 by the normal 15, however, the client is starting to enjoy his watch and keeps it on his wrist without coming back to Rolex. This is most certainly a unique opportunity to have the first variant 13 confirmed by Rolex.