- The 3 years’ rigorous training for every new watchmaker
- The 12-month handcrafting process for each watch
- The meticulous quality controls at Rolex HQ in Geneva
But what if I told you, that for a small window of time…
…14 years ago…
…Rolex did the unthinkable.
They produced a watch that featured a mistake.
The mistake is so small, few watch collectors are aware of it. Yet for those in the know, this tiny mistake has transformed a sought-after Rolex, into the most collectible watch on Earth.
It sounds strange, doesn’t it? That an imperfect watch should be more desirable than a perfect one. Yet if you know your postage stamp collecting, you’ll know that rare error stamps will often sell for 10,000 times the value of correct versions.
Yet here’s the remarkable thing, for you.
While this error Rolex is more coveted and far rarer than the correct version, the error version only sells for slightly more.
But...
The gap between the two is starting to widen.
And I believe the gap will keep widening over the coming years, as more people become aware of the error.
- In 2019, the error Rolex was valued at the same price as the correct version.
- In 2024, prices for error Rolexes are now 2% higher than the correct version, as growing numbers of collectors have realised the rarity and fascination of this error watch.
Especially as both the error and correct versions are already among the most coveted in watch collecting.
- The correct version is up 10.2% a year in value since 2016
- The mistake version is up 10.4% a year in value since 2016
Gains have been particularly strong for perfect examples, such as the one I have just sourced for you today. It is in pristine condition. Has never been worn. Never even been placed on a wrist.
Such is the immaculate condition of this watch, we could not even remove its protective coverings for the photographs.
So you’ll see it retains its original bezel protector. And its protective stickers from its full service in 2022.
Ready? This is:
The Rolex Daytona white dial ref 116520 - APH error
- Your watch has never been worn: Bought new in 2016, it is in perfect condition. Rolex collectors love unworn examples such as this
- Your watch arrives in its original Rolex box with inserts: This enhances its desirability, and value, still further
- Your watch includes the original Rolex international warranty card: That adds hugely to the watch's attraction for buyers, adding a strong layer of authenticity
- Your watch features its original bezel protector, and stickers from its 2022 full service: This watch is immaculate
- Your watch has been discontinued: Stainless steel bezel versions of this reference (with the error and without), known as "pre-ceramic", were discontinued in 2016, creating a strong secondary market
But what about the mistake?
Look on the dial for the word "COSMOGRAPH" (a Greek phrase that means "measuring the universe").
Note the gap between the R and the A in COSMOGRAPH. One of the most unusual yet coveted Rolex wristwatches That is the mistake. That's all it is. The watch is otherwise as perfect and wonderful as any regular Daytona.
Yet it's that mistake that makes it even more desirable than any regular Daytona.
Just how rare is this error?
Rolex do not release production numbers. For any watch. But it's scarce. Daytonas are among the rarest Rolexes around. They make just 20,000 - 40,000 Daytonas of all types a year. Waiting lists for Daytonas stretch out for years with authorised dealers.
Rolex made these error "APH" models for just four years - from 2011 to 2014. And only on ref 116520.
So we can safely say - APH Daytonas are incredibly rare.
Never worn. In perfect condition.• A 40mm diameter Oystersteel case: with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, water resistant to 100 metres.
• A steel "pre-ceramic" bezel: With a tachymetric scale designed for the racetrack, measuring average speeds up to 400mph. Pre-ceramic (in other words stainless steel) bezels are more desirable than modern day ceramic versions.
• A robust Oyster bracelet: Designed to offer comfort and durability, with an Oysterlock safety clasp and an Easylink 5mm comfort extension system.
• The Rolex Caliber 4130 movement: Designed and manufactured by Rolex in-house, featuring a self-winding chronometer, a 72-hour power reserve, and COSC Chronometer certified and accurate to -2/+2 seconds per day.
Make the Rolex Daytona APH error yours
The history of the Rolex Daytona
In 1963, Rolex unveiled an extraordinary watch designed for race car drivers: the Rolex Cosmograph. It featured a tachometre around the bezel for measuring speed, and three miniature timing dials.
Two years later Rolex gave it the name "Cosmograph Daytona", when Rolex became the official timekeeper for the Daytona NASCAR race.
The watch remained relatively low key until Rolex unveiled the first automatic Daytona in 1988. Following its release, sales surged, ensuring its status as the coveted series it is today.
Where's my time machine? $210 for a Rolex Daytona in this 1965 magazine advert
The watch gained further prestige in 2017 when a vintage model, owned by actor Paul Newman, achieved a wristwatch record $17.8 million at auction.
Daytonas are today renowned for being close to impossible to buy through Rolex authorised dealers worldwide - such is their high demand and low production numbers.
Comes with its original box and papers: it's the full set. That adds greatly to resale value
Give your watch portfolio greater breadth and exciting potential
If you own other Rolexes - this error is a great way to give range to your collection. And while your other Rolexes likely offer you strong and reliable long-term returns, with this you get something more.
You get the reliable historical gains of a Daytona - with the supercharging potential of the APH error. We’ve seen how values for mistake Daytonas are slowly breaking clear of the regular prices. If that rate continues, or increases, there is serious growth potential here in a relatively short time frame.
A recap on your APH Daytona:
- Contains rare APH error? YES
- APH error produced for just four years? YES
- Particularly high demand for APH Daytonas? YES
- Potential for supercharged growth as more collectors discover the APH? YES
- Just sourced? YES
Don't wait a moment longer on this one.
I've just put it live on the site. This email is the first time I've publicised it.
The price is just £25,000.
The bezel tells you your speed
Buy the Rolex Daytona APH error now
Or call +44 (0)1534 639 998 or email info@paulfrasercollectibles.com
Delivery is fully insured and free. To any address in the world.
What an opportunity.
Until next time.
Paul
PS. Remember - all Daytonas are rare and desirable. The APH Daytona is in a different league.
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