Artisans de Genève Rolex Daytona "La Montoya" (Customized Ref. 116520)
Chronograph / Sports Chronograph · Base watch manufactured by Rolex SA (Independent / Rolex Foundation), customized and modified by high-end independent horological workshop Artisans de Genève.
Period: Modern Luxury (2000s-present) with Avant-Garde Customization
Type
Chronograph / Sports Chronograph
Brand
Base watch manufactured by Rolex SA (Independent / Rolex Foundation), customized and modified by high-end independent horological workshop Artisans de Genève.
Movement
Automatic mechanical chronograph, heavily skeletonized Rolex Calibre 4130, beating at 28,800 vph (4 Hz), with a 72-hour power reserve and 44 jewels.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 40 mm, case thickness: ~12.5 mm, lug-to-lug distance: 47 mm, lug width: 20 mm. Wears true to size with a commanding contemporary wrist presence due to the open-worked skeleton design.
Description
The Artisans de Genève "La Montoya" is an ultra-exclusive, bespoke interpretation of the iconic Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, created in tribute to racing legend Juan Pablo Montoya. This masterpiece completely transforms the traditional tool watch into an avant-garde horological sculpture through extensive skeletonization and hand-finishing. The dial is removed to expose the meticulously open-worked and blackened Calibre 4130, adorned with vibrant racing-inspired color accents on the sub-dials. Capped with a forged carbon bezel and paired with the classic stainless steel Oyster case and bracelet, it bridges the gap between traditional Swiss watchmaking mastery and high-performance motorsports aesthetics.
Key Features
Extensively skeletonized and hand-beveled Rolex Calibre 4130 movement; custom forged carbon tachymeter bezel; racing-inspired multicolored sub-dial rings (yellow, blue, red); open sapphire dial; exhibition display case back, which is a significant departure from standard factory Rolex Daytonas.
Dial Description
Open-worked skeletonized dial revealing the blackened and hand-beveled movement components. Features sapphire subdial rings with colorful accents (yellow at 9 o'clock, blue at 3 o'clock, and red at 6 o'clock), applied baton indices, faceted baton hands, and a prominent red-tipped central chronograph seconds hand.
Case Material
Stainless steel (904L) case with combination brushed and polished finishing, paired with a forged carbon bezel.
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, completely clear to showcase the intricate skeletonized movement beneath.
Bezel Details
Fixed tachymeter bezel crafted from a single piece of forged carbon featuring a unique marbled grain pattern, with white engraved tachymeter scale markings.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down Triplock winding crown and threaded chronograph pushers in stainless steel, featuring deep knurling for optimal grip and the Rolex coronet on the crown.
Bracelet or Strap
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet with brushed outer links and polished center links, equipped with an Oysterclasp and Easylink comfort extension link.
Caseback Details
Exhibition sapphire crystal display case back secured by a threaded steel outer ring, allowing a complete view of the exquisitely hand-finished and skeletonized automatic chronograph movement.
Movement Type
Automatic mechanical chronograph, heavily skeletonized Rolex Calibre 4130, beating at 28,800 vph (4 Hz), with a 72-hour power reserve and 44 jewels.
Water Resistance
Rated to 100 meters (330 feet / 10 ATM). Suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational water sports, though due to its bespoke nature and customized construction, owners typically avoid rigorous aquatic activities.
Origin & Provenance
Geneva, Switzerland. The base is an authentic Swiss-made Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, heavily modified, skeletonized, and hand-finished by master artisans in Geneva.
Age Estimate
Modern era, customized circa 2018-2022 based on the Rolex 116520 generation foundation and contemporary skeletonization trends.
Cultural Significance
Represents the pinnacle of the modern watch customization movement, challenging traditional purist views by blending high-end Swiss watchmaking heritage with bespoke, ultra-luxurious automotive art. It caters to elite collectors seeking absolute individuality over factory stock.
Condition Notes
Mint condition, showing no signs of wear, pristine crystal, flawless forged carbon bezel, and unpolished case with factory-spec brushing and polishing intact. Functionality is immaculate.
Value Estimate
Estimated secondary market and bespoke commission value ranges from $80,000 to over $150,000 USD, vastly exceeding the retail price of a standard factory Daytona due to the extensive labor-intensive customization, extreme rarity, and high-profile association.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended professional servicing every 5 to 7 years by expert independent horologists familiar with modified movements. Avoid harsh impacts due to the delicate skeletonized components. Ensure the crown and pushers are securely screwed down before any exposure to moisture.
Similar Watches
Rolex Daytona Ref. 116500LN (ceramic bezel, stock factory model), Bamford Watch Department custom Rolex Daytona, MAD Paris customized Rolex Daytona, Richard Mille RM 011 or RM 72-01 (for similar open-worked racing chronograph aesthetics at a much higher price point).
Interesting Facts
Created in collaboration with seven-time IndyCar race winner and Formula One star Juan Pablo Montoya. Each piece takes weeks of meticulous hand-craftsmanship to skeletonize, modify, and re-assemble. Because Artisans de Genève is an independent workshop and not affiliated with Rolex SA, these bespoke pieces are produced in extremely limited quantities.