RolexDaytona

Until 2000, Rolex did not have their own chronograph movement and so when in 1986 they looked to upgrade the Daytona chronograph to an automatic, they went to the best in the business which was the Zenith El-Primero. Two years later, marking the Daytona’s 25^th anniversary, after numerous modifications and with less than half the original Zenith components remaining, the 16500 series was ready, including the 16520 in steel.

Being a T serial number, this watch is a blend of vintage and modern aesthetics. Like all 16520s it has a sapphire crystal but underneath the glass, it is one of the last years to have tritium luminous material. This has aged to a warm cream colour. The age of the watch also falls within the range to have ‘Patrizzi’ discolouration to the subdials. While some may claim that this watch also has such a colour change, it is more of a cream colour that perfectly matches the hour markers and hands.

The watch was originally bought in Zurich in 1997 and was purchased by the seller from the family of the original owner. All original with the correct bracelet and end links for its production year, the watch is in good condition for its age. The watch retains its case back sticker and has been gently worn over the last 24 years leading to light scratches on the case, bezel, and bracelet, but nothing deep. Offered with full box and papers, all in excellent condition, this is a true collector’s piece.

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