Wristwatch · Self-winding chronograph wristwatch

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 16519 with sodalite and diamond-set dial

Partially verified

This reference 16519 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is an automatic chronograph wristwatch housed in an 18k white gold case measuring 40 mm in diameter. It features a mottled blue sodalite hardstone dial set with diamond hour markers and three subsidiary dials for chronograph timing. The white gold bezel is engraved with a tachymeter scale calibrated to 400 units per hour. The watch is fitted with screw-down pushers, a screw-down winding crown with protective shoulders, and a blue crocodile leather strap fastened by an 18k white gold Rolex deployant clasp.

Front view of Rolex Daytona reference 16519 with sodalite dial and blue crocodile strap — Christie’s. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: onlineonly.christies.com
Category: Wristwatch · Self-winding chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution: Rolex
Reference: 16519
Catalogue / lot identifier: 7
Source-reported date: Not established
Country: Switzerland
Source-reported serial: A196'364

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Construction and Exterior Hardware

The watch is catalogued as a Rolex reference 16519 with case number A196'364, executed in an 18k white gold case measuring 40 mm in diameter. Exterior visual observations show screw-down chronograph pushers and a protected winding crown on the case band.

Visual observation documents an engraved metal tachymeter bezel calibrated from 60 to 400 units per hour. However, the cataloguer's lot essay describes the watch as possessing a 'white gold case with baguette-cut sapphire-set bezel'. The watch is mounted on a blue crocodile strap fitted with an 18k white gold Rolex deployant clasp.

Evidence for this section

“REF. 16519, CASE NO. A196'364”
“Case material: 18k white gold”
“Diameter: 40 mm.”
“white gold case with baguette-cut sapphire-set bezel and a blue sodalite dial enhanced by diamond-set indexes”
“Buckle: 18k white gold Rolex deployant clasp”

Dial and Configuration

The cataloguing specifies a sodalite and diamond-set dial, noting that natural stone dials vary in colour and shade. Visible observations record a blue sodalite surface with diamond indexes mounted in white gold settings.

The dial displays three subsidiary dials located at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. Functions are listed as chronograph timing.

Evidence for this section

“Dial: Sodalite and diamond-set”
“As all natural stone dials vary in colour and shade, none is exactly the same in appearance and therefore unique”
“Functions: Chronograph”

Movement, Accessories, and Condition Notes

The cataloguing identifies the movement type as automatic, but no caliber number or movement engraving is specified in the text or visible in the provided imagery. The seller's condition report notes the movement as 'operating, service needed', while the case is described as having 'minor surface wear; otherwise in excellent condition'.

The lot is accompanied by an undated Rolex Garantie, a presentation box, and outer packaging. The strap is recorded as slightly bent with minor signs of wear, and the clasp shows minor scratches and pinhead dings, with the auctioneer summarizing overall condition as 'very good'.

Evidence for this section

“Movement: Automatic”
“Movement: operating, service needed”
“Case: with minor surface wear; otherwise in excellent condition”
“With: Undated Rolex Garantie, presentation box and outer packaging”
“Strap: blue Rolex CROCODILE strap is slightly bent with minor signs of wear”
“Buckle: 18k white gold Rolex deployant clasp with very minor scratches and pinhead dings”
“Overall condition: very good”

Open research questions

What specific caliber is fitted within case A196'364, as no movement number or caliber designation is recorded in the cataloguing?
Why does the auction essay text specify a baguette-cut sapphire-set bezel when the photograph and reference specification indicate an engraved metal tachymeter bezel?
What country or retailer information is indicated on the included undated Rolex Garantie?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 16519 with sodalite and diamond-set dial
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Reference	16519	“REF. 16519”
Case number	A196'364	“CASE NO. A196'364”
Case material	18k white gold	“Case material: 18k white gold”
Diameter	40 mm	“Diameter: 40 mm.”
Dial	Sodalite and diamond-set	“Dial: Sodalite and diamond-set”
Movement	Automatic	“Movement: Automatic”
Strap material	Blue Rolex CROCODILE strap	“Strap material: Blue Rolex CROCODILE strap”
Buckle	18k white gold Rolex deployant clasp	“Buckle: 18k white gold Rolex deployant clasp”
Accompaniments	Undated Rolex Garantie, presentation box, and outer packaging	“With: Undated Rolex Garantie, presentation box and outer packaging”
Auctioneer condition summary	Very good; movement operating, service needed; minor surface wear to case	“Overall condition: very good”

Visible details

Blue sodalite stone dial with diamond indexes set in white gold mounts and three matching sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock.
Engraved tachymeter bezel calibrated from 60 to 400 units per hour in white gold.
Screw-down chronograph pushers and protected crown on the right side of the case.
Blue patterned crocodile leather strap fitted between the lugs with integrated end links.

Research qualifications

The auction lot essay mistakenly mentions a baguette-cut sapphire-set bezel in its running text, whereas the watch itself and standard reference 16519 specification clearly possess an engraved metal tachymeter bezel.
The movement and case back are not visible in the provided lot image.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ROLEX, DAYTONA WITH SODALITE AND DIAMOND-SET DIAL , REF. 16519, CASE NO. A196'364 | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e3b62cd75b

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.