Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1988 Reference No: 16520 Case No: R976'036 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, 4030, 'Zenith' Bracelet/Strap: Oyster Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployment clasp Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter Signed:Movement, dial, case and bracelet signed Accessories: Fitted presentation box, outer packaging, additional links, swing tags, service guarantee, product literature and green leather wallet. Literature: For another example of a porcelain dial Daytona, reference 16520, please see Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, pages 540 to 543
Catalogue Essay
For the Daytona’s 25th anniversary, Rolex surprised the public at the 1988 Basel fair by introducing the first self winding chronograph model in its history. The newly launched reference 16520 was powered by a derivative of Zenith’s El Primero calibre, substantially modified by Rolex. It was also the first Daytona to be fitted with a sapphire crystal and a new, larger diameter, now being 39 milimeters. It was an immediate success. The very first generation, like the present example, feature the very rare 200 graduation bezel and the most sought after specimen are equipped with an enamel coated dial. The Cosmograph designation is separated from the first four lines which lends it the nickname “floating” or in Italian “Staccato”.Being from the very first R-series, the present example also features the correct all satin finish Oyster bracelet, making it a must-have for the discerning Daytona collector, despite still being a young timer.
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.