Rolex surprised the public at the 1988 Basel Fair by introducing the first self-winding chronograph model in its history. The newly launched reference 16520 was powered by a derivative of Zenith's El Primero caliber, though substantially modified by Rolex. It was the first Daytona to be equipped with a sapphire crystal and upgraded to a new larger diameter of 40mm.

The launch of the 16520 was an immediate success, resulting in unprecedented demand that would require clients to have to wait as long as seven years to purchase one. History would repeat itself in 2016 with the introduction of the ceramic bezel Daytona reference 116500. This was quite in contrast to the initial lukewarm response of the manually-wound Daytona, first introduced in 1963. Ease of use, accuracy, and a larger, sportier look all added to the new automatic Daytona’s desirability.

The present reference 16520, a so-called "A-series" from between 1998 and 1999, has survived the past two decades with its caseback and bracelet stickers remaining intact. It is offered complete with its original warranty, multiple product literature booklets, hang tags, and both inner and outer boxes. The completeness and excellent state of preservation of this sought after Zenith-based Daytona is sure to be a collector’s delight.