US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
26
Rolex
Ref. 16520
Cosmograph Daytona
A very attractive and sporty stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, guarantee and presentation box
- Estimate
- CHF20,000 - 40,000€21,600 - 43,200$25,100 - 50,200
CHF27,940
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1995
- Reference No
- 16520
- Case No
- T457105
- Model Name
- Cosmograph Daytona
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 4030, 33 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78390”, endlinks stamped “503B”, max length 190mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped "78390" & “V8”
- Dimensions
- 40mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by punctured Rolex guarantee, product literature, leather wallet, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Marking a true milestone in the history of the Daytona, Rolex introduced the reference 16520 in 1988 as the first-ever Daytona fitted with a self-winding movement. Featuring a larger case with crown guards, the model was powered by the celebrated caliber 4030, based on Zenith’s El Primero, representing a major breakthrough for Rolex. Initially launched in stainless steel with either white or black dials—like the present example—it was later joined by gold variants with a range of dial designs. Production ended in 2000, paving the way for the ref. 116520, which introduced Rolex’s first fully in-house self-winding chronograph caliber, the 4130.
The present Cosmograph Daytona ref. 16520, dating to circa 1996 with “T” serial, is a very well preserved example of this iconic reference. Its black dial has developed a subtle patina to the subdials, adding to its vintage charm and character.
Accompanied by its original punched certificate, presentation box, and outer packaging, this Daytona is an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of the most historically significant and collectible references in the model’s lineage.
The present Cosmograph Daytona ref. 16520, dating to circa 1996 with “T” serial, is a very well preserved example of this iconic reference. Its black dial has developed a subtle patina to the subdials, adding to its vintage charm and character.
Accompanied by its original punched certificate, presentation box, and outer packaging, this Daytona is an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of the most historically significant and collectible references in the model’s lineage.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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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