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Rolex

Ref. 16520

Cosmograph Daytona

A very attractive and sporty stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

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Marking a true milestone in the history of the Daytona, Rolex introduced the reference 16520 in 1988 as the first-ever Daytona fitted with a self-winding movement. Featuring a larger case with crown guards, the model was powered by the celebrated caliber 4030, based on Zenith’s El Primero, representing a major breakthrough for Rolex. Initially launched in stainless steel with either white or black dials—like the present example—it was later joined by gold variants with a range of dial designs. Production ended in 2000, paving the way for the ref. 116520, which introduced Rolex’s first fully in-house self-winding chronograph caliber, the 4130.

The present Cosmograph Daytona ref. 16520, dating to circa 1996 with “T” serial, is a very well preserved example of this iconic reference. Its black dial has developed a subtle patina to the subdials, adding to its vintage charm and character.

Accompanied by its original punched certificate, presentation box, and outer packaging, this Daytona is an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of the most historically significant and collectible references in the model’s lineage.

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.

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