It’s time for a new installment of our Watch in the Box video series – Episode 7 is out now… and it’s a wild one!
Watch in the Box: Episode 7
Each week, countless packages get shipped to our Newport Beach headquarters from all around the world, and inside each one is a different luxury watch with a unique story. Join us for Episode 7 of Watch in the Box, where we pull aside one of the random incoming boxes and open it up on video, so that you can join in for the big reveal.
If you are not already familiar with our Watch in the Box video series, be sure to visit our YouTube page, where you can get all caught up before watching the latest episode below.
For the 7th installment of our Watch in the Box video series, we unboxed a unique gold Rolex Daytona “Leopard” 116598 SACO that is iced out with over 50 diamonds and 36 cognac sapphires. We receive thousands of watches each year at our Newport Beach headquarters, and we never know quite what will be in each box. This week’s episode is our most surprising yet. Join us today as we discover…what’s in the box?
The Rolex Daytona ref. 116598 SACO features a 40mm Oyster case in yellow gold adorned with 48 brilliant-cut diamonds on the lug-hoods, 8 diamonds set into yellow gold surrounds on the dial, and a bezel fixed with 36 baguette cognac sapphires. Each sapphire is designed to fit into the bezel perfectly without any gaps or spaces between the gems and each one is hand-set by Rolex gemologists. This opulent take on the classic Daytona catches the light from every angle and will undoubtedly get you noticed.
A striking leopard print Rolex dial and matching leather bracelet complement the orange and yellow tones of the gems and gold. The dial itself is a lesson in master watchmaking and features a raised leopard print that almost appears to be embossed, with black spots that reflect the light nicely as you move your wrist. The yellow to orange gradient on the leather strap is mirrored on the dial and creates a dramatic statement piece that is unlike any other chronograph in most collectors’ watch boxes.
Aside from the bold design of the case and bracelet, the ref. 116598 is a classic Daytona chronograph timepiece at heart, and features a traditional 40mm Oyster case with a water-resistant rating of 100 meters and a Caliber 4130 self-winding movement. The only standard Daytona feature that is absent on this example is the tachymeter bezel, which has been replaced by an ultra-luxurious cognac-colored sapphire-encrusted variation.
The Caliber 4130 was the first Daytona movement developed and produced entirely in-house by Rolex. It boasts stopwatch functionality, a 28,800 bph operating speed, and a blue Parachrom hairspring. The Daytona was initially developed for professional use while at the race track; however, it has since become a favorite among collectors of all professions and lifestyles. This exceptional Daytona isn’t just impressive to look at, it’s also a very reliable timepiece.
