Rolex’s Cosmograph Daytona is one of the most iconic timepieces ever produced. Since it was first introduced in 1963, collectors and watch enthusiasts now long to own this model known for its masculine appeal and durability. Like other Rolex tool watches, the Daytona has undergone technical and design changes over the last nearly 70 years, however the base DNA has remained the same. Reference 16520 was launched in 1988 and took the watch world community by surprise. Until then, the Daytona was only available with a manually wound movement. With this reference, Rolex broke this tradition by introducing the automatic caliber 4030 based on a heavily modified Zenith El-Primero movement.

The reference 16519 was the white gold counterpart to the stainless steel 16520 – offered instead on a leather strap. The present example is fitted with a stunning and rare blue sodalite dial with diamond-set hour markers and is a wonderful example of Rolex seeking new innovative and imaginative ways to bring a new aesthetic to the Cosmograph Daytona. A pre-cursor to the beloved “Beach” series from the early 2000s, reference 16519s with hardstone dials show that experimentation with color is an expressive part of the Rolex way.

Preserved in excellent condition, the present model is a fine example of the rare hardstone dial Daytona Cosmograph.