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960

Rolex

Ref. 16520

Cosmograph Daytona

A fine and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 320,000
€17,700 - 35,400
$20,500 - 41,000
HK$203,200
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
Circa 1999
Reference No
16520
Movement No
171’379
Case No
A139’572, inside case back stamped “16500”
Model Name
Cosmograph Daytona
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78390 A”, endlinks stamped “803”, max length 200mm
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp, stamped “X 3” and “78390 A”
Dimensions
40mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Rolex undated guarantee stamped Davidson & Licht, Santa Clara, instruction manual, product literature, two hang tags, paper folder, fitted presentation box, outer packaging and retail invoice dated 18 August 1999.
Catalogue Essay
The reference 16520 is considered one of Rolex's most innovative models ever produced, as it was the first Daytona to feature an automatic movement. When this model was introduced in 1988, it became an instant cult favourite among enthusiasts and quickly garnered a waiting list at Rolex retailers.

Over the years, the "Zenith Daytona" has become even more collectible due to its rarity, handsome aesthetics, and its important status within Rolex's history. With the model's growing popularity, most of the watches are being worn and seen on the wrists of collectors, while examples still preserved in excellent condition are extremely rare to find.

With an “A” serial number dating to 1999, this example belongs to the final production batch of the Rolex Daytona reference 16520. A key distinction of this late iteration is the transition from Tritium to Luminova. Meanwhile, it is also one of the last models to use a Zenith movement calibre 4030 before the in-house calibre was introduced in 2000. While not the rarest variant, its status as the last of its kind adds historical and collectible value. Presented in excellent condition and accompanied by its original guarantee, this piece represents a noteworthy opportunity for collectors seeking a meaningful addition to their Daytona lineup.

Rolex

Swiss | 1905
Founded 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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