Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2015 Reference No: 116520 Case No: 33J11947 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "APH Dial" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 205mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated 29th April 2015 stamped The Hour Glass, Australia, instruction manual, product literature, hang tags, green card holder, plastic bezel protector, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
In 2000, Rolex introduced their very first Cosmograph Daytona model fitted with the firm’s very first in-house chronograph caliber 4130. To commemorate the new millennium, Rolex replaced its former ref. 16520 powered by a Zenith El Primero based self-winding caliber 4030, introduced in 1988. The new reference 116520 was a total revelation to the industry as it was an end to a fabulous chapter but an exciting start to a whole new era to come.
Enjoying a successful reception immediately after its launch of the reference, the ref. 116520 was officially discontinued in 2016 and made way for its new ref. 116500 featuring a new Cerachrom bezel.
The present example Rolex 116520 with a black “APH” dial from circa 2015 with a random serial belongs to one of the last examples of the reference. Offered in absolute “like new” and unworn overall condition with partial factory stickers intact, the present Rolex Daytona is also complete with all its accessories including its sales tag with its corresponding serial number.
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.