1989 Rolex Daytona St/G Floating Dial Ref. 16523

Model:
Year of issue: 1989
Reference number: 16523
Condition: mint
Status: available
Dealer country: Dubai
Dealer name: Tariq Malik
Price in US $ 22,000

Description

The Floating Daytona The Reference 16520 was launched in 1988 as the first self-winding Daytona from Rolex. Because Rolex at that time wasn't able to master it themselves they introduced the watch with the Zenith Cal. 4030 automatic movement. It was an upgraded version of the original El Primero Cal. 400 with extensive modifications. All in all Rolex removed about 50% of the original parts from the movement and replaced them with their own. In line with the changes to the movement there were more firsts. The 16520 now had a sapphire crystal and a larger 40mm case. With all modifications the new Daytona became much more contemporary and wearable given its technical properties. The example offered here is one of the earlier ones produced in 1989 and has the so-called 'Floating' dial. With floating is meant that there is a gap under the Chonometer text on the dial and the Cosmograph writing. The black dial with original lumes is signed 'T Swiss T' indicating the use of Tritium luminous on dial and hands which was changed to Luminova in 1997. The case and bracelet are healthy retained in beautiful and strong condition with well defined proportions.

SKU 3.2.354
Brand Rolex
Model Daytona Floating Dial
Ref. No. 16523
Serial No. R912xxx
Year 1989
Gender Gents
Case Size 40mm
Case Excellent vintage condition case that is showing some wear from age. Th engravings on the bezel are beautifully preserved, case numbers are clear and intact. The lugs are also well defined and crisp
Bracelet / Strap Very good matching Oyster bracelet that is showing light stretch from wear. Bracelet comes with full links
Dial Rare black Floating Daytona dial. There is some slight discoloration in the center of the 6 o'clock counter
Crystal Sapphire
Movement Automatic
Functions Chronograph
Condition Very good
Box No
Papers No

Dealer

Tariq Malik

DAYTONA BEACH 1960

Birth of a Horological Icon Timepiece  The myth around the iconic Rolex Daytona has spread around the world recent years. Always has the Daytona model been attached to motor racing, at first Rolex called their new Cosmograph the “Le Mans” and little later to “Daytona” when Rolex started to sponsor the well known U.S. speedway.
Cosmograph: a name that was to be the forerunner of great fortune. Actually, the choice of the name proved to be neither easy nor expected. Whilst Rolex on the one hand flirted with the car-racing world, on the other hand it could not remain unaware of the vast media attention, which at that time was surrounding the conquest of outer space.