Lot #5333
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116520 2003 Winner 24 Hours Daytona Box and Papers
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Introduction
There are Rolex Daytonas associated with motor racing, and then there are Daytonas that were actually won on the racetrack. This white-dial ref. 116520 belongs firmly in the latter category. Awarded to racing driver Ross Bentley following his class victory at the 2003 Rolex 24 at Daytona, it represents perhaps the purest expression of the relationship between Rolex, the Cosmograph Daytona and the circuit from which the watch takes its name. Rolex has been closely associated with the 24-hour race for decades, becoming title sponsor in 1992 and establishing the presentation of specially engraved Daytonas to winning drivers as one of motorsport’s most coveted traditions.
The ref. 116520 marked one of the most important developments in the Daytona's history. Introduced in 2000, it was the first automatic Daytona powered by a fully in-house Rolex chronograph movement, the calibre 4130, replacing the modified Zenith-powered ref. 16520. This early example retains the classic stainless steel bezel and white dial of the first generation, with the latter having developed a subtle cream tone that gives the watch additional character. Yet it is the specially engraved case back commemorating Bentley's 2003 victory that makes this example exceptional. This is not simply a Daytona with a connection to motorsport, but one awarded for success at Daytona itself.
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Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box, papers, booklets, two hangtags, cloth and printed articles
Est. value range
$40,000 – $60,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Cosmograph Daytona
Movement
Automatic Rolex calibre 4130
Reference
116520
Bracelet
Rolex Oyster bracelet
Year
2001
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Box, papers, booklets, two hangtags, cloth and printed articles
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
The white dial has developed a subtle cream tone with age, lending this early ref. 116520 an attractive warmth. Applied luminous hour markers are joined by three contrasting-ring registers and the familiar red DAYTONA signature above six o'clock, creating the configuration associated with the first generation of Rolex's in-house automatic Daytona.
THE CASE BACK
The case back is what gives this Daytona its exceptional significance. It was specially engraved to commemorate Ross Bentley's victory in the SRP II class at the 2003 Rolex 24 at Daytona, where Bentley and his teammates drove the No. 5 Team Seattle/Essex Racing Lola-Nissan to first in class and seventh overall.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Ross Bentley’s Rolex 24 Winner Daytona
The engraving on the back of this Rolex Daytona ref. 116520 records the end of a remarkable 24 hours for Canadian racing driver Ross Bentley. On February 1, 2003, Bentley lined up at Daytona International Speedway alongside Don Kitch Jr., Joe Pruskowski and Justin Pruskowski in the No. 5 Essex Racing/Team Seattle Lola B2K/40-Nissan. Bentley had already enjoyed a varied career that included competing in CART during the early 1990s and winning the 1998 United States Road Racing Championship GT3 title, but Daytona would provide one of his most memorable results.
Their car was a Lola B2K/40, a lightweight sports prototype introduced in 2000 and produced in tiny numbers. Bentley's example was powered by a 3.0-litre Nissan V6 developed for competition by Advanced Engine Research. By the time darkness fell over Daytona, the challenge was as much about keeping the Lola running as outright speed. When the chequered flag finally fell the following day, the No. 5 had completed 652 laps, finishing seventh overall and taking victory in the Sportsracing Prototype II class.
There was another reason for keeping the car circulating. Team Seattle had been established by Kitch in 1997 to raise money for Seattle Children's Hospital, with supporters pledging donations according to the number of laps completed. The team's 2003 Daytona campaign ultimately generated around $125,000. Bentley therefore left Daytona with considerably more than a class victory to remember. Among the trophies was the white-dial Rolex Cosmograph Daytona offered here, its case back permanently recording what happened that weekend. As racer Nick Tandy would later describe these special watches: “The watch is a trophy you can’t buy. You have to win it.”
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case has been recently polished, and shows no major dings or marks. Some small superficial streaks are visible in some areas. The case back shows surface scratches and small nicks, while the special Rolex 24 at Daytona engraving remains very well preserved. The bezel has signs of wear and some small nicks and the enamel is missing from the tachymeter scale in places. The dial is in near-mint condition and has developed a very light cream hue to the white finish. The stainless steel Oyster bracelet has light play between the links. The bracelet is fitted with 13 links, 4 of which are removable, and fits approximately an 8¼” wrist. Comes with inner and outer boxes, original papers, booklets, document holder, numbered hangtag, red COSC hangtag, cloth, and a collection of printed articles and documentation relating to the 2003 Rolex 24 at Daytona and, in particular, Ross Bentley.
Our Perspective
Few watches have a stronger relationship with a sporting event than the Cosmograph Daytona, but a winner's watch makes that connection literal. This example was awarded to Ross Bentley for winning the SRP II class at the 2003 Rolex 24 at Daytona and comes directly from Bentley himself, accompanied by printed material relating to the driver and race. That provenance elevates it far beyond a conventional early ref. 116520, this is a Daytona that was earned at Daytona.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
