Lot 59

Rolex

The Leopard

A exalted Rolex Cosmograph Daytona set with diamonds and amber-coloured sapphires, in near mint condition - full set!

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The Rolex 116598 SACO, fondly called "the Leopard" is surely one of the most extravagant and simultaneously polarising timepieces, the Geneva brand has ever launched. In a world where the brand Rolex is mostly famous for their robust and masculine tool watches, the Leopard pursues a completely different path – it’s loud, wild and in your face.
The Leopard was presented in 2004 at the Basel fair – as part of the Daytona series but with a whole different attitude: 18 K yellow gold case, dial with leopard print pattern and diamond hour markers, as well as – the crowning glory – a bezel with 36 amber-coloured baguette-cut sapphires. Then there is the matching leopard print leather strap studded with another 48 diamonds, as flamboyant as the dial itself.
Despite (or even because of) its polarising look, the 116598 SACO is a fully-fledged Daytona powered by the well-tried automatic chronograph calibre 4130. The watch is also much more than just a fashion statement, it is a serious luxury timepiece with a little madness thrown in. Originally the model was smiled at and not very much in demand, however, since production was discontinued in 1019, the "Leopard" has turned into a real cult object. Stars such as Nicolas Cage or Elton John wore the watch with pride and probably a wink. This is probably the key to the fascinating appeal of this watch – it does not take itself too seriously and is at the same time a prime example of a serious brand like Rolex breaking out of their comfort zone – with style, courage and a wild pattern.