With historic relevance and importance in the world of racing, timepieces have played a pivotal role in the development of motorsports and vice versa. The Rolex Daytona is one of such deeply rooted in the history of racing with its name derived from of the world’s most respected race tracks, the Daytona circuit. Released in 1988, the Rolex Daytona ref. 16520 played a major role in the history of the firm, being the first Daytona model to feature a self-winding movement via the El Primero based cal. 4030. The reference was discontinued in 2000 making way for the ref. 116520 with Rolex’s first in-house self-winding cal. 4130.

The present example Rolex Daytona ref. 16520 featuring a white dial from circa 1997 is not just a regular example but one with an interesting piece of racing history. When turned over to its caseback, it is inscribed with “K.Collins Rolex Daytona 1994 24 Winner”. A tradition, winners of the prestigious Daytona 24 race were awarded with a Rolex Daytona. In 1999, the Daytona 24 GT3 class race was won by Kelly Collins and his team in a Porsche 911 RSR for Alex Job Racing, where the team finished in sixth place in at the end of the season.

A fantastic piece of racing trophy, the present Rolex Daytona ref. 16520 comes with its corresponding guarantee stamped Rolex Watch U.S.A with Kelly Collins stamped and dated February 1999. Offered in attractive overall condition, this example will surely delight collectors who are also fans of racing.