Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1988 Reference No: 16520, caseback stamped 16500 to the inside Movement No: 11'608 Case No: R'782'863 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Floating" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 503, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
In 1988, the Daytona turned 25 years old. Rolex decided to celebrate the occasion with a model which immediately captivated the attention of the public. The first self-winding chronograph model in the history of the company was introduced, the landmark reference 16520. The model is powered by a derivative of Zenith's El Primero calibre, substantially modified by Rolex. It was the first Daytona to be equipped with a sapphire crystal and a new larger diameter of 39mm.
The launch of the reference 16520 was an immediate success, resulting in unprecedented demand which translated into years-long waiting lists for clients. Without a doubt, the reference 16520 elevated the Daytona to its current mythical status.
This example is part of the famous 'R' series from the first year of production in 1988. As expected, the watch is fitted with the highly sought-after black glossy dial featuring the floating "Cosmograph" signature and it also retains its original calibrated bezel graduated to 200 units per hour. The floating dial presents a very unusual graphic layout with the Cosmograph designation markedly separated from the other four lines of text. Not only are its aesthetics striking, but it furthermore represents the link between four-line and five-line dials.
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.
Ref. 16520, caseback stamped 16500 to the inside A fine, rare and early stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with "floating Daytona" dial and bracelet
Circa 1988 39mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and clasp signed