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

Estimate: €75,000 –⁠ 150,000

Model: Daytona
Reference: 16 520
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1988
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 4030
Case N°: R884378
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Box, Warranty, Tag and Booklets

The here offered Daytona 16 520 left the Rolex manufacture in 1988 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 incredible conditions with still the satin finish on the lugs and no evident signs on the case. It features one of the rarest and most appreciated dials that ever left Rolex’s factory: the white “porcelain”, mounted only on the R series Zenith Daytona. These dials were layered with a coating resembling porcelain, signatures and scales printed on top, giving it an almost floating appearance. Of course is also present the “Floating Cosmograph”, typical of the early specimens from the R serial where the 5th line “Cosmograph” is spaced further away from the above, exactly like this lot. It also comes in total full set composed of box, warranty, booklets and tag. All of those accessories are beautiful and confirm its authenticity and provenance, making it a spectacular watch.