Even though Rolex was famously known for its automatic “perpetual” movements, its chronograph models always housed a manual wind movement. This changed when for the Daytona’s 25th anniversary in 1988, Rolex introduced the first self-winding chronograph model in its history. The newly launched reference 16520 in a larger 39mm case was powered by a derivative of Zenith’s El Primero calibre, substantially modified by Rolex. It was an immediate success, resulting in unprecedented demand that would require clients to have to wait as long as seven years to purchase one.
Without a doubt, the 16520 elevated the Daytona to its current mythical status. The present model is however not a “normal” Daytona reference 16520 as it belonged to Patrick Heiniger under whose leadership this watch was developed.

Patrick Heiniger, born in Argentina in 1950, became CEO of the famed brand in 1992, its only 3rd CEO since its inception in 1905 following the footsteps of founder Hans Wilsdorf and his own father André Heiniger.

Sometimes it seems that one cannot escape one’s fate and even though Patrick Heiniger had studied law and set up his own firm in Geneva he joined Rolex in 1986 as sales director becoming CEO in 1992, a position he held until 2008.

Rolex as we know it today is the result of Patrick Heiniger’s vista and strategy. Desiring full production autonomy Heiniger went on a buying spree where Rolex started purchasing its core suppliers may they be movement, case or bracelet makers.

André, Patrick’s father once said “Rolex is not in the watch business, we are in the luxury business”. Using his father’s words as a starting point, Patrick devised a full-fledged strategy to make Rolex the luxury powerhouse we know today. It is also under his management that Rolex fully repositioned itself as a patron of sporting events and the arts.
Patrick Heiniger passed away in Monte-Carlo in 2013.

Please note that this watch was given by Mr Patrick Heiniger to a friend shortly after he acquired it.