Manufacturer: Rolex
Year: Circa 2013
Reference No: 116520
Case No: 24T60399
Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona “APH”
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, endlinks stamped 6FW and 78590, max overall length 210mm
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant flip lock clasp stamped OXX
Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
Accessories: Accompanied by International warranty dated May 3, 2013, and stamped London Jewellers, fitted presentation box, product literature, polish cloth and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Rolex’s first Daytona was the reference 6239 released in 1963, and over the ensuing decades, the model evolved in to one of the most iconic and cherished wristwatches today. A revolutionary change occurred in 1988 with the release of the Daytona reference 16520 featuring a heavily modified version of Zenith’s El Primero movement. The first self-winding chronograph model in the history of the company resulted in unprecedented demand that required clients to wait as long as seven years to purchase one. Its ease of use, accuracy, and a larger, sportier design added to the Daytona’s desirability. The reference 116520 replaced its predecessor reference 16520 in 2000, and was notable for the caliber 4130 - Rolex’s very first in-house chronograph movement. Today, it is an iconic model, representing one of Rolex's many technical advancements throughout horological history.

The present chronograph features the very rare dial variant known by collectors as the “APH Daytona”. Produced between approximately 2011 to 2014, this version displays a gap between the "R" and "APH" in "Cosmograph" on the dial. Similar to other rare Rolex dial types, scholarship on the “APH Daytona” suggests this spacing error was not intended and the brand was not happy with it, as they removed the spacing on all dials produced soon afterwards. The production years were limited, and therefore there are few examples on the market today.

The present watch is well-preserved and accompanied by its original guarantee and presentation box. With growing demand for these rare examples, it is a wonderful example of a modern Daytona for the connoisseur.
Artist Biography
Rolex
Swiss • 1905
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.
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