Rolex’s Cosmograph Daytona is one of the most iconic and cherished wristwatches for collectors today, and its evolution is legendary. Over its 65-year plus lifespan, it has become revered for its classic design, durability, and strong masculine appeal. In celebration of the Daytona’s 25th anniversary, Rolex released at Basel in 1988 the first self-winding chronograph model in their history. The technically innovative reference 16520 was powered by an automatic Zenith El Primero caliber, which was substantially modified by Rolex. At the time of the launch, the reference became a cult classic and garnered an immediate waiting list at Rolex retailers.

This “A series” reference 16520 features a Mark III bezel with the “Units Per Hour” denoted by “240” replacing “250” and “225”. The wristwatch is preserved in near new condition, featuring sharp factory finishes preserved throughout. The chronograph features the nearly perfectly preserved original factory sticker on the caseback, and is accompanied by its original Rolex guarantee, having been retailed by Torres Joalheiros, Lisboa, dated March 10, 2000. It is interesting to note the guarantee is punched with the correct country code, 216, for Portugal.