1999 Rolex Daytona Zenith Black Dial Ref. 16520 A Series

Model:
Year of issue: 1999
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 such as as a new escapement with a much larger, freely sprung balance and balance spring with Breguet overcoil to enhance accuracy. Further a reduction in the balance's oscillation rate from 36,000 beats per hour to 28,800 beats per hour for reducing service intervals. All in all Rolex removed about 50% of the original parts from the movement and replaced them with their own. The date function was simply removed. A Daytona never had a date and we think it will never have one. In line with the above 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 an A Series from 1999, just year before the reference was discontinued and the new 116520 with 100% in-house movement was launched in 2000. The dial is signed 'Swiss Made' indicating the use of Luminova luminous on dial and hands.Further the last two production years featured the SEL bracelet, a 78390A with solid end links.The beautiful black dial is flawless. The market for these has gone up upon strong demand and there are times we cannot get our hands on a nice example.

SKU 1.2.003
Brand Rolex
Model Daytona 'Zenith'
Ref. No. 16520
Serial No. A918XXX
Year 1999
Gender Gents
Case Size 40mm
Case Excellent case that seems to have polished very lightly only, the lugs remain strong and sharp showing beautiful factory finishing.The bezel is also in excellent condition and does not show much wear from age. The enameling is still present in the numbers. Reference and serial are fully intact
Bracelet / Strap Excellent matching 78390A SEL Oyster with clasp Code AB5, dating it to 2000. The bracelet has 12 links and only little stretch from age
Dial Excellent black Luminova dial marked 'Swiss Made, matching hands
Price Sold
Crystal Sapphire
Movement Automatic, Zenith Cal.4030
Functions Chronograph
Condition Mint
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.