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Lot Essay
The present watch is part of a limited edition chronograph reference 16519 made especially for famed Milan watch retailer Luigi Verga on the occasion of its 50th anniversary in 1997.
Only 10 reference 16519 watches with this dial combination on an 18K white gold case have been made, according to the retailer. Both the dial and the engraving "1947 Luigi Verga 1997" on the case back were made upon special order by Rolex in Geneva.
Using a different engraving font, the Milan retailer then added a cherished customer's name to its special order Rolex. In this case, the name of the late renowned Italian art and watch collector Alessandro Grassi (1942 to 1990) was added. Christie's Geneva successfully sold part I of Grassi's watch collection in November 2012.
The watch is very stylish with its black dial and contrasting champagne register tracks within the well-preserved 18K white gold case with its crisp milling on the back. This type of dial was normally reserved for 18K yellow gold Cosmograph Daytonas of the time. For any collector, a limited edition Rolex with established provenance, must be considered the ultimate trophy.
Only 10 reference 16519 watches with this dial combination on an 18K white gold case have been made, according to the retailer. Both the dial and the engraving "1947 Luigi Verga 1997" on the case back were made upon special order by Rolex in Geneva.
Using a different engraving font, the Milan retailer then added a cherished customer's name to its special order Rolex. In this case, the name of the late renowned Italian art and watch collector Alessandro Grassi (1942 to 1990) was added. Christie's Geneva successfully sold part I of Grassi's watch collection in November 2012.
The watch is very stylish with its black dial and contrasting champagne register tracks within the well-preserved 18K white gold case with its crisp milling on the back. This type of dial was normally reserved for 18K yellow gold Cosmograph Daytonas of the time. For any collector, a limited edition Rolex with established provenance, must be considered the ultimate trophy.