India's art market has grown nearly 200-fold in 25 years, fuelled by record-breaking auctions and rising collector confidence
Rolex Unveils Four Unique Daytonas for Charity
The brand is set to offer a set of four Cosmograph Daytonas at a live auction in London on September 28
The horological industry took note this week when Rolex made an unprecedented yet magnificent announcement. The Geneva titan is set to offer a set of four unique Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytonas at a live auction in London on September 28, 2026. Inspired by the natural cadence of the four seasons, this exclusive quartet represents a momentous chapter in contemporary watchmaking.
The story behind these timepieces began earlier this year as a rumour flowing through the halls of Watches & Wonders. The manufacture had quietly crafted a bespoke box set, asking select global retailers to submit discreet profiles of candidates worthy of acquiring the four-piece collection, initially priced around CHF 4 million. What followed was a frenzy of interest, with over a thousand high-net-worth collectors and global icons vying for the privilege. Faced with an overwhelming response and a desire to turn this artistic flex into a force for global good, CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour and his team shifted course, electing to place the entire quartet on the public auction block.
Each watch in the Four Seasons set serves as a canvas for Rolex’s gem-setting and dial artistry. The spring iteration pairs 18k white gold with lepidolite and chrysoprase, while the summer model is radiant in 18k Everose gold with a dial crafted from turquoise with counters in heart of ruby. Autumn arrives wrapped in 18k yellow gold, punctuated by mookaite with counters in chrysoprase, whereas winter cools the collection in platinum, juxtaposed against a blue opal dial with lapis lazuli accents. The cases are further elevated by diamonds delicately encrusted onto the lugs and crown guards, creating an interplay of colour, precious metal, and rare minerals.
Beyond their charm, these timepieces carry a philanthropic purpose. All proceeds from the upcoming hammer fall will directly benefit two foundations headed by key Rolex ambassadors: the Roger Federer Foundation, dedicated to early childhood education, and Re:wild, the environmental conservation initiative co-founded by Leonardo DiCaprio.
Industry insiders already anticipate a historic evening in London. The landmark sale carries the potential to redefine the vintage and modern Daytona marketplace in a manner not witnessed since Paul Newman’s iconic steel reference set world records in 2017. Given that private collectors were reportedly offering eight-figure sums even before the auction announcement, the added dimension of philanthropic motivation is expected to spark an international bidding war.
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