Important Watches: Part I

Important Watches: Part I

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 61. 'Darth Vader Zenith' Daytona, Ref. 16520, Stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and 'tropical inverted 6' dial Circa 1993 | 勞力士 | 16520型號「'Darth Vader Zenith' Daytona」精鋼計時鍊帶腕錶配倒轉「6」字熱帶小錶盤,約1993年製.

Rolex

'Darth Vader Zenith' Daytona, Ref. 16520, Stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and 'tropical inverted 6' dial Circa 1993 | 勞力士 | 16520型號「'Darth Vader Zenith' Daytona」精鋼計時鍊帶腕錶配倒轉「6」字熱帶小錶盤,約1993年製

Auction Closed

November 10, 02:59 PM GMT

Estimate

60,000 - 80,000 CHF

Lot Details

Description

Rolex


'Darth Vader Zenith' Daytona, Ref. 16520

Stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and 'tropical inverted 6' dial

Circa 1993


Dial: black

Calibre: cal. 4030 automatic, 31 jewels

Movement number: 80'468

Case: stainless steel, screw-down back

Case number: S'814'610

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

Dimensions: 40 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 185 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Box: yes

Papers: yes

Accessories: Rolex guarantee, leather card holder, COSC hang tag and presentation case with outer packaging

After 25 years of manual winding Daytona, the introduction of the automatic reference 16520 was the most important evolution in the history of the celebrated model. The watch was completely redesigned and was fitted with the new calibre 4030 based on the Zenith El Primero. Even if the 16520 was produced for only a dozen years, the model saw several developments, mainly consisting in the layout of the dial. In fact, 5 different changes have been identified and the present lot is part of the third iteration distinguished by the 5 lines of text and the 'inverted 6' within the hours chronograph counter.

For watch collectors, the patina of the dial plays a key role. More than a sign of authenticity, it reveals the passage of time, reflects the personal life of the timepiece and gives it a unique character and appeal. With the standardization of the watch production and the use of more stable components, most of the pieces produced after 1990 are lacking this essential aspect. This rule is also true for the famous Rolex chronograph. Nonetheless, there are a few exceptions, as demonstrated by the present specimen. Some of the 16520s fitted with a black dial produced between 1993 and 1997 have seen their silver chapter rings of their subsidiary dials changing color to a 'tropical' brown shade. 

Highly attractive, the present lot already turned to such a dark brown color that it appears black, hence the nickname 'Darth Vader'. This particularly interesting piece is further offered as a complete set with guarantee and presentation case.