155 Rolex Outstanding and Attractive, Daytona Cosmograph, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, With Porcelain Dial Displaying “Floating” Logo, Reference 16 520, Box and Papers

Estimate: €120,000 –⁠ 240,000

Model: Daytona
Reference: 16520
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1988
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 4030
Case N°: R938787
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Box, Papers and Service

Rolex’s first automatic Daytona was introduced in 1988. Housing the iconic zenith-based caliber 4030, it featured a larger case and was fitted with a sapphire crystal. The watch immediately became a cult classic and garnered an immediate waiting list at Rolex retailers. The steel version reference 16 520 is actually one of the most coveted watches by worldly collectors. 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. The intention behind this version was to render it a more appealing look. Due to high production cost, the manufacture of these dials was soon ceased, rendering the ref. 16 520 “R” models are much sought-after collector’s watches. Of particular note is the “inverted 6” on the lowest subsidiary register, a detail that is particularly beloved by collectors today. Preserved in remarkable conditions, the case displays 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. Its rarity is further enhanced by the excellent overall condition and the presence of the original guarantee, tags, accessories and box.