Rolex

Reference 16520 was launched in 1988 and took the watch community by surprise. Until then, Daytonas had only been available with a manually wound movement. With this reference, Rolex broke tradition by introducing the automatic Caliber 4030, based on a heavily modified Zenith El Primero movement. The case was also enlarged to a 39 mm diameter. The public response was immediate, transforming the automatic Daytona into one of the most coveted watches among collectors and resulting in long waiting lists worldwide.

In 1987, Rolex began using letters in its serial numbers. This new nomenclature started with the “R” series and continued to spell the name Rolex, skipping the letter “O” to avoid confusion with the number zero. Produced in 1989, the present example belongs to the rare and highly sought-after early “L” series of Zenith Daytonas.

The first half of the “L” series production features a 4-line dial paired with a bezel insert calibrated to 200 units per hour. However, in later “L” series examples—such as the present watch—Rolex introduced the updated 5-line dial and fitted it with a bezel insert calibrated to 400 units per hour. Additionally, this example displays the desirable inverted “6” on the 12-hour register, a subtle detail appreciated by the most discerning collectors.

Offered in appealing condition, the watch retains excellent proportions and comes with its original accessories, including the punched warranty papers bearing country code “100” for Germany—correctly corresponding to its purchase in Munich.

A classic and timeless design, the present Zenith Daytona perfectly embodies the enduring spirit and aesthetic excellence for which Rolex is renowned.