Double Tap to Zoom

A rare Rolex Daytona with a lapis lazuli dial was recently auctioned off for a whopping $3.27 million, setting a new world record for an automatic Daytona. Sold via Sotheby's, the watch was originally expected to fetch anywhere between $516,000 to $1,032,000, meaning it went for three to six times the estimated price.

This particular Rolex Daytona was manufactured in 1999, as it is the only known platinum Daytona with a lapis lazuli hard stone dial. Another key detail of the timepiece comes in the form of an inscription on the case back that reads "XII 1998." Furthermore, the cal. 4030 automatic movement has 31 jewels, while the case spans 40mm in diameter.

As HODINKEE points out, Sotheby's auctioned a similar platinum Daytona in 2018 that went for $872,100. The dial of that watch was made from black mother-of-pearl. As both watches have the same reference number of 16516, they are presumed to be among an extremely limited number of platinum Rolexes produced in 1999.

You can learn more about the record-setting lapis lazuli Rolex Daytona by visiting Sotheby's.

We Recommend
  • Rolex Would Never Approve This Watch — That's What Makes It Great
  • Rolex’s Wild New Watch Looks Even Better IRL
  • The All-New Ultra-Thin Rolex Watch Is Already a Classic
  • How Analog Watches Became the Culture's Favorite Accessory
What To Read Next
  • New Balance’s Most Classic Gray Dad Shoe Looks Better In Dark Mode
  • Margiela's Supreme Collab Is Hairy for a Reason
  • Odlo Is Built for Cold Days Not Just Cool Fits
  • These Vintage Dealers Make New Designer Clothes Look Old
  • The Quasi-Monogrammed adidas Tokyo Is Cosplaying As a Luxury Sneaker
  • A.PRESSE Basically Built a Tea Room for Its Best Collection Yet (EXCLUSIVE)