RolexDaytona

KEY FACTS

• Among the last examples of Rolex’s highly sought-after Zenith Daytona
• ​Offered by a private collector based in Hungary
• Presented with its box, outside sleeve, warranty papers, booklets, swing tag, and a spare link
• Also included in the lot is a dealer's guarantee card, covering the watch until 02/2024
• Graded ‘A’ for condition by the vendor who reports the watch to be in good working order

FUNCTIONS

• Hours, minutes, small seconds and 12-hour chronograph
• Powered by the chronometer-certified calibre 4030 (modified Zenith El Primero)
• Automatic winding with a 54-hour power reserve
• ​Screw-down crown and pushers deliver 100m of waterproofness (not currently tested)

SUMMARY

Colloquially known as the ‘Zenith’ Daytona, the ref. 16520 marked a major milestone in the model line's history, being the first to feature a self-winding movement. Rolex turned to the Zenith El Primero calibre 400 - widely considered the best self-winding chronograph movement available on the market at the time. Rolex heavily modified the movement, making some 200 changes to improve reliability and ease of maintenance further. This resulted in just 50% of the original movement remaining. The scarcity of Zenith El Primero movements and the amount of work required to enhance them to Rolex's specifications resulted in the limited availability of this series of Daytonas from the start. With its 40mm case and distinctive sub-register design, the 16520 ushered in many of the features that have shaped the modern Daytona. This particular example is among the last examples, produced in 2000. It features a solid end-link bracelet which was available late in the production cycle.

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