Priority Bidding is here! Secure a lower Buyer’s Premium today (excludes Online Auctions and Watches). Learn More

155

Rolex

Ref. 16520 inside caseback stamped 16500

Cosmograph Daytona

A fine, rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "tropical" registers, bracelet and original guarantee

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 50,000
€21,600 - 43,200
$25,800 - 51,700
CHF65,000
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
Circa 1995
Reference No
16520 inside caseback stamped 16500
Movement No
106'136
Case No
W'942'065
Model Name
Cosmograph Daytona
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 4030, 33 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 210mm.
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Rolex folding clasp
Dimensions
40mm. Diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Rolex punched guarantee dated July 10, 1998, product literature, sales tag and wallet.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 16520 is among Rolex's most innovative models to date. Housing the iconic Zenith-based caliber 4030 mechanism, the model was fitted with the first automatic chronograph movement in the firm's history. At the time of launch in 1988, the watch immediately became a cult classic and garnered an immediate waiting list at Rolex retailers.

Today, the Zenith Daytona has become an incredibly collectible watch. The present example, preserved in excellent condition, has probably been worn a few times only and even carries the original factory sticker to the caseback. The registers have turned "tropical" over time, displaying an intense warm chestnut hue. It is furthermore presented with its original punched guarantee and product literature to delight the scholar and collector.

Rolex

Swiss | 1905
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
Browse Maker