Calling all luxury watch collectors. How much would you drop on the Rolex Daytona “Big Red?”
It’s time to put your money where your mouth is, because this ultra-rare timepiece just went up for auction on eBay, and the starting price is set at $40,000. The listing is open until April 11 at 8 a.m. ET, and bids are expected to climb as high as $100,000.
“This Daytona recently returned from a vintage restoration at the Rolex Atelier de Restauration,” the listing states. “The watch has been fully authenticated and will come with a special Rolex box and customized service booklet.”
“Big Red” was originally manufactured in 1978 and is a vintage analogue watch craft in stainless steel and silver with a plain black dial. The case size is 37mm, with a solid caseback. Vintage as it is, this watch is not water resistant.
The timeless watch features a chronograph with a tachymeter scale that surrounds the dial, helping to measure the speed at which the watch (and its wearer) travels over a period of time.
This watch is a bit of a Holy Grail for watch collectors, becoming even more rare and valuable because of the expert restoration.
Rolex employees are trained to ensure quality and consistency of operations across the world. “Big Red” was serviced at the Restoration Atelier in Geneva, where exceptional historic watches are handled.
These watchmakers mix restorative services with in-depth historical research, traditional methods and state-of-the-art techniques so that every watch can be brought back to life.
While the availability of parts and labor is assured for every Rolex timepiece for at least 35 years after a watch’s discontinuation, the Atelier is able to recreate parts if none are available.
Each restoration is returned with a special presentation box and a personalized booklet, which “Big Red” promises to include upon the highest bid.
For more information about this watch and to place your own bid, visit ebay.com. Final delivery is estimated between Wednesday and Friday, April 20 and 22.