A significant timepiece related to the late driver Ayrton Senna will go under the hammer in next month’s Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: NINE.

Ref. 16528 yellow gold Rolex Daytona circa 1989 was Senna’s gift to his mentor Angelo Parrilla, with a simple note “A Angelo da Ayrton 1978” (to Angelo from Ayrton) engraved at the caseback. 1978 was the important year which Parrilla “discovered” the then 18-year-old Senna and brought him to Italy to race for DAP kart team.

The R series 16528 was the earliest iteration of Rolex’s first automatic gold chronograph Daytona and is popular among collectors not just because of its previous owner. The 39 mm watch features with the rare and desirable floating dial and Mark 1 bezel. With an estimate of CHF100,000 – 200,000 and no reserve, the winning bidder will be able to claim along  an autographed picture of Ayrton Senna and an autographed helmet faceguard. The auction of this particular lot will take place at the Hôtel La Réserve in Geneva on 11 May.