911
Rolex
Ref. 16520
Cosmograph Daytona "Porcelain Floating Cosmograph"
A very attractive and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Porcelain Floating Cosmograph” dial, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
- Exceedingly rare and collectible R-series example with “porcelain” dial
- Floating Cosmograph line
- Correct MK I bezel
- Accompanied by its original guarantee and box
In celebration of the Cosmograph Daytona’s 25th anniversary, Rolex introduced its first self-winding chronograph model, the reference 16520, at Baselworld 1988. Driven by the Zenith El Primero base movement which is substantially modified and refined by Rolex into the cal. 4030, the reference 16520 marked a major technological evolution for the collection. Early "R" serial production models from this launch period remain among the most coveted variations of the automatic Daytona.
The present R serial example features an uber rare first generation "porcelain" dial, characterized by a glossy, lacquered white surface distinct from the dials of later executions. The black text is printed over this porcelain layer, imparting a distinct three-dimensional visual depth. It also exhibits the rare "floating" text layout, where the word "COSMOGRAPH" is separated by a noticeable gap from the four lines of text above it. As the first Daytona reference to feature a 40mm case and a sapphire crystal, this early iteration is fitted with the rare Mark I bezel calibrated to 200 units per hour, prior to the transition to 400-unit bezels on later models.
The watch is fitted with its period-correct satin-finished Oyster bracelet. It is accompanied by its original presentation box, bearing both the 16520 model sticker and white dial designation sticker. As well as its punched U.S.A. guarantee paper with the red import code indicating import to the United States on June 19, 1989. Offering a combination of early dial, bezel and excellent condition, this timepiece represents a rare opportunity to acquire a true MK I automatic Daytona.
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.