3 Rolex Very Rare and Iconic, Daytona, Chronograph Wristwatch, in Steel, Black “Floating Cosmograph” Dial, Reference 16 520, With Box, Papers, Booklets and Tag

Estimate: €50,000 –⁠ 100,000

Sold (Premium)€88,400

Model: Daytona
Reference: 16520
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1987
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 4130
Case N°: R786980
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Box, Papers, Booklets and Tag

The here offered Daytona 16 520 left the Rolex manufacture in 1987 and is an absolute beauty not only for its quality but also for the accessories that come with it. Fully realized in stainless steel with a solid Oyster bracelet, the 16 520 is among one of the most distinctive and innovative models to date thanks to its caliber, a modified Zenith-based 4030 mechanism, which made this model the first automatic chronograph movement in the firm’s history. The three body case with screw down pushers and tachometer graduation on the bezel to 200 units (while later iterations were altered to a 400-unit scale) is preserved in remarkable conditions with still the satin finish on the lugs and no evident signs on the case. Featured with a black dial with applied luminous white-gold baton indexes and silvered subsidiary seconds, this very watch is even more precious and rare. Also known by the nickname “Floating Cosmograph” or “Staccato” among Italian collectors, the early specimens from the R to L serials of the 16 520 features 5 lines of text below the cornet, with a noticeable 5th line “Cosmograph” spaced further away from the above, exactly like this lot. It also comes in total full set composed of box, warranty, booklets, invoice and tag. All of those accessories are beautiful and confirm its authenticity and provenance, making it a spectacular watch.