Rolex Daytona 16520

Rolex Ref. 16520 A very attractive and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "tropical" registers, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Manufacturer : Rolex Year : Circa 1996 Reference No : 16520 Movement No : 118’731 Case No : T746’213, inside caseback stamped “16500 Model Name : Cosmograph Daytona Material : Stainless steel Calibre : Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap : Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78390”, endlinks stamped “503B”, max length 200mm Clasp/Buckle : Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “78390, Z1 Dimensions : 40mm diameter Signed : Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories : Accompanied by Rolex warranty stamped Carlyle & Co. U.S.A. dated 8th September 1997, green card holder, 1995-1996 calendar, instruction manual, product literature, hang tag, fitted presentation box and outer packaging- The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 16520 holds a significant place in Rolex's history as the firm's first Daytona model to feature a self-winding movement. Prior to bringing the caliber in-house in 2000, the 16520 was powered by the reliable Zenith El Primero based caliber 4030. - The present timepiece, bearing a "T" serial number from around 1996, falls into the rare batch of "tropical" dialed Daytonas. Over time, the organic Zapon varnish used by Rolex to protect the subsidiary dials has reacted to ultraviolet rays and oxygen, causing the silver registers to oxidize and turn a beautiful brown color. This unintentional "tropicalization" of the dial is an extremely desirable and scarce feature, as these natural color changes are highly prized by collectors. - A very well-preserved example, it is being offered complete with its original box and certificate, making it an exceptional find for discerning collectors seeking a rare and significant Rolex Daytona.