Rolex, long recognized as a leader in the watch industry, continues to set trends, as evidenced by the upcoming auction of the first-ever “Rainbow” Daytona at Phillips in Geneva this November. This unique timepiece, crafted in the early 1990s, is the original model that sparked the now widespread trend of rainbow-hued gemstone watches, a style that Rolex pioneered and has since become a hallmark of luxury watchmaking.

The auction house has set a starting estimate of $3.5 million for this historic watch, recognizing its significance as the piece that laid the foundation for one of Rolex’s most iconic designs. Unlike standard production Daytonas, this particular watch was made exclusively for a client in the Middle East, making it a one-of-a-kind treasure.

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The rainbow colorway has seen a recent surge in popularity among luxury watchmakers.

Before being brought to auction, this watch was a legendary piece known only to a few collectors. Its reemergence offers a rare opportunity to own the timepiece that not only defied Rolex’s rugged sport watch identity at the time but also helped define the modern era of luxury-sport watches. The November auction promises to be a significant event for collectors and enthusiasts alike, as the original Rainbow Daytona takes center stage.