117 Rolex Extremely Rare and Absolutely Remarkable, Daytona Chronograph, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, UAE Quraysh Hawk Engraved on the Case Back, Reference 16 520, Published in Pucci Papaleo’s Book “Daytona Perpetual”

Estimate: € 50,000 –⁠ 100,000

Sold € 65,000

Model: Daytona
Reference: 16520
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1997
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 4030
Case N°: T732148
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Warranty, Service, Invoice and Wallet
Literature: This specific watch is published in Pucci Papaleo’s Book “Daytona Perpetual” at page 176

The importance of the automatic Cosmograph Daytona cannot be underestimated, now over 30 years since its introduction, the automatic Daytona has itself become hugely desirable and sought after by collectors. The first reference of the new automatic was 16 520, available in steel, all gold (reference 16 528) and steel and gold (reference 16 523), it featured a larger 40 mm. case that was for the first time made with crown guards. Reference 16 520 was Rolex’s first Daytona to house an automatic movement. At the time of launch in 1988, it quickly became a cult classic and garnered an immediate waiting list at Rolex retailers. Today, the Zenith Daytona has become an even more collectable watch due to its rarity, good looks and importance within the history of Rolex. The model was available only with a solid metal tachymeter bezel and the glasses are sapphire crystal in place of acrylic for added scratch resistance. Considered as the watch par excellence, is certainly the most coveted and desired object and also for this reason one of those that lend themselves most to customization. The lot here offered has been made upon the special request for Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Emir of Dubai, it is part of an exceedingly rare batch of the automatic Daytona family produced with a special logo engraved. The Quraysh Hawk is one of the mass recognized symbols used in the Arab heraldry. It can be found displayed on the emblems of many countries, such as Dubai, Iraq, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi or the United Arab Emirates, which is often linked to the Rolex collecting world. This Cosmograph Daytona reference 16 520 is fitted with a white dial displaying a 5-liner configuration and sporting a personalized engraved case back with the over-mentioned Quraysh hawk. Made in steel, is also fitted with a bezel calibrated to 400 units. As further testimony of the quality of this watch is the warranty that comes with it, showing that it has been sold through the retailer Mohamed Rasool Khoory & Sons in 1997. Last but not least, this very watch is the one that Mr. Pucci Papaleo, one of the most (if not THE most) prominent watches’ book publisher, has decided to insert in its colossal “Perpetual Daytona” book.