1997 Rolex Daytona Black Tritium Dial Ref. 16520 (with Rolex Service Card)

Model:
Year of issue: 1997
Reference number: 16520
Condition: mint
Status: sold
Dealer country: Dubai
Dealer name: Tariq Malik
Price in US $ n/a

Description

The black Zenith       - 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 later ones produced in 1996, 4 years before the reference was discontinued and the new 116520 with 100% in-house movement was launched. The black dial with original lumes is signed 'T Swiss Made T' indicating the use of Tritium luminous on dial and hands which was changed to Luminova in 1997, makes this piece one of the last ones released with Tritium dial. The case and bracelet are healthy retained in beautiful and strong condition with well defined proportions, not to forget the crisp bezel. The market for these has gone up upon strong demand and there are times we cannot get our hands on a nice example. We are happy to offer this watch with a fresh Rolex Service Card from 2021

SKU 1.2.039
Brand Rolex
Model Daytona
Ref. No. 16520
Serial No. U758XXX
Year 1997
Gender Gents
Case Size 40mm
Case Excellent case that has been lightly polished in the past and is showing light wear from age. Numbers between the lugs are crisp. The bezel is also in excellent condition and still bears the black enameling in the numbers.
Bracelet / Strap Excellent 78390 Oyster with polished center links. The bracelet shows little stretch for its age. Clasp code is U, dating it to 1998
Dial Excellent black Tritium dial with original luminous and matching hands. Lights up when exposed to UV and falls at the same rate
Price Sold
Crystal Sapphire
Movement Automatic, Zenith Cal.4030
Functions Chronograph
Condition Mint
Box No
Papers with Rolex Service Card

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.