Rolex reference 16520 is among one of the most distinctive and innovative models to date. Housing a modified Zenith-based caliber 4030, the model was fitted with the first automatic chronograph movement in the firm's history. At the time of its launch in 1988, the watch garnered an immediate waiting list at Rolex retailers – much like its descendant, the reference 116500LN would do in 2016. As it often happens with Rolex timepieces, one can notice a subtle but well-defined evolution of the dial design in the early years of the model.

Deemed with the nickname “Floating Cosmograph” or “Staccato” amongst Italian collectors, the early specimens from the R to L serial of the 16520 features 5 lines of text below the cornet, with a noticeable 5th line “Cosmograph” spaced further away from the above. With the production for the reference 16520 ceased in 2000 and replaced by 116520, the earlier examples bearing the inverted “6” on the dial and the “floating” Cosmograph were produced in very limited quantities.

The present specimen bearing a R serial boasting a strong case is also fitted with the period correct bezel. The very first iteration features tachymeter scale that stops at 200. Later iterations were altered to a 400 units scale (first, for a short while, featuring indications for 200, 225, 250, 300 and 400 units per hour; later, featuring a simpler layout with 200, 240, 300 and 400). The present timepiece with a black dial is offered in attractive overall condition making it a great opportunity for true Rolex aficionados to add an early produced timepiece to their collection.