63 Rolex Rare and Iconic, Daytona Cosmograph, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, Porcelain White Dial Displaying “Floating” Logo, With Original Papers, Reference 16 520
Estimate: €100,000 – 200,000
Model: Daytona
Reference: 16520
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1988
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 4030
Case N°: R900969
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Warranty
The present watch is one of the extremely rare “R”-series models of reference 16 520 to appear in public, distinguished by the white porcelain-style dial. Its rarity is further enhanced by the excellent overall condition and the presence of the original warranty. 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. It is obvious that, when Rolex launched the automatic Daytonas, the firm was well aware of the success of the Daytona not only as a sports watch, but as an elegant and worldwide recognized status symbol as well. While reference 16 520’s popularity has increased dramatically in the past few years, few automatic Cosmograph Daytona are as beloved as the “R Series”. Extremely rare, this reference 16 520 features a so-called “porcelain” dial displaying the “Cosmograph” script floating below the text at 12 o’clock. Made of lacquer, “porcelain” dials were only fitted to the earliest 16 520 s. The black graphics were printed on top of the dial, giving it a three-dimensional effect. This very example is part of the second generation of tridimensional dial and thus very rare. The case is offered in remarkable conditions, displaying razor-sharp lugs and full proportions. Furthermore, this rare Daytona retains its original early steel bezel calibrated to 200 units. Later generation examples would have a bezel calibrated to 400 units. Impressively, this watch is accompanied by its original warranty, stating that the watch was sold at Pelloni — Agente Rolex located in Via del Corso 140, Rome, on the 25th of February 1989.