Rolex
Reference 16520 'Zenith' Daytona | A stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1996
Auction Closed
June 9, 05:37 PM GMT
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Reference 16520 'Zenith' Daytona
A stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1996
Dial: black
Caliber: cal. 4030 automatic, 31 jewels
Movement number: 119'8XX
Case: stainless steel, screw down case back
Case number: T'790'XXX
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with twin lock folding clasp
Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference is approximately 190 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: Rolex presentation box with outer packaging, Official Chronometer Certification (undated), leather card holder, leather bi-fold, booklets, hang tag, polishing cloth, and one additional link
The Rolex reference 16520 'Zenith' Daytona was in production spanning from 1988 to 2000. This iconic timepiece was Rolex's first automatic chronograph, and was the first to be housed within the legendary 40 mm case. Notably, it boasted a significantly modified Zenith El Primero movement, earning it the distinctive "Zenith" moniker.
Throughout its 12-year lifespan, the Zenith Daytona underwent several changes, encompassing five distinct versions or 'marks' of the dial. The culminating transformation occurred in 1999, introducing luminova and a redesigned bracelet. The present lot, made in 1996 as indicated by its serial number, showcases a Mark IV dial, the final iteration to feature tritium luminous markers.
The reference 16520 have long been of keen interest to collectors, especially because it represents both the new and old era of the Cosmograph Daytona lineage as it was the first automatic chronograph movement they ever made, and was the last outsourced movement to be featured in a Rolex case.