8055
Rolex
Ref. 16520
Cosmograph Daytona
A very rare, well-preserved and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “tropical” registers, bracelet and guarantee
Full-Cataloguing
- The reliable Zenith El Primero based cal. 4030 movement was chosen as the movement for this model. Today, the reference holds great value and is highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts, primarily due to its significance in the Daytona history.
- However, certain examples from different series have managed to distinguish themselves, becoming exceedingly rare and even more coveted by collectors. The manufacturing process of the dial played a role in creating the unique "tropical" effect seen in some watches. During that period, Rolex used a varnish called Zapon on the silvered registers of these watches, and in certain cases, the varnish was applied unevenly and contributed to the distinct appearance.
- This particular watch, the registers were aged uniformly to a brownish hue. Presented in excellent overall condition, it exhibits minimal signs of wear, and the caseback still retains its original green Rolex sticker. With a "W" serial number, this example would be an excellent choice for Rolex enthusiasts seeking an attractive and distinctive Daytona timepiece.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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.