Rolex To Auction Four Piece-Unique Daytonas

Yes, there have been unique Rolex models to have come to market before but seldom, if ever, does the brand ever disclose production numbers. In fact, its recent run of authorized books was one of the rare times that enthusiasts were privy to historical production runs of watches like the iconic Submariner.

Today, that narrative has shifted somewhat via an altruistic approach. Four unique (as in, one of each in existence) Rolex Daytona watches in eye-catching gem-set colorways are going to be auctioned off with proceeds going to the charities “The Federer Foundation” and “Re:Wild,” supported by the brand’s key testimonees Roger Federer and Leonardo DiCaprio respectively.

The auction itself is in partnership with Phillips and is set to take place in London on September 28th. The sale itself is called The Rolex Four Seasons, so named because each of the unique pieces is meant to evoke one of the four seasons. Let’s examine each in turn.

The Spring model takes on a decidedly Wimbledon color palette in green and purple with a white gold case and bracelet. The purple gems are all sapphires and the dial is crafted from chrysoprase with counters in lepidolite. The Summer edition is crafted from Rolex’s Everose gold and takes a pink and turquoise approach with – you guessed it – pink sapphires and a dial made from turquoise with counters in heart of ruby. The Fall is in yellow gold with a yellow dial and green gem-setting. The gems are green tourmalines and the dial is made from mookaite with counters in chrysoprase. Finally, the Winter model is in full platinum and presents a rainbow-adjacent, colorful approach. The gem-setting features sapphires in a blue to fuchsia gradient and the dial is made from blue opal with counters in lapis lazuli.

Each watch’s lugs and crown guards are set with 54 brilliant-cut diamonds, 36 gems on the bezel, and baguette markers.

According to the Rolex website the following information was made available about the charities involved in the sale: "Established in 2003, the Federer Foundation gives children in Southern Africa and Switzerland the opportunity to learn, play and thrive. Re:wild was launched by a team of renowned conservation scientists together with Leonardo DiCaprio. It protects and restores the natural world by partnering with Indigenous Peoples, local communities and on-the-ground conservation organizations."

While watches like these are known to be produced in some fashion each year (meaning colorful gem-set variations of popular sport models), it is hard to remember a time when such a set has been publicly revealed by the brand itself, and made known of each watch’s uniqueness to boot.

No, these are not watches that are in any sphere of attainability, but it is cool to see Rolex recognizing the rarity and seeing fit to put the value these are likely to achieve at auction towards good causes. We will have to wait until September 28th to see what they sell for. You can learn more about these watches and the auction at the Rolex website here.