The Rolex Daytona 16520 is one of the most popular vintage collectible pieces on the market. Today, we present to you 4 exceptional examples.
Among the main reasons for such enthusiasm for the so-called "Zenith" Rolex Daytona, we could mention:
- Long-term production (1988-2000)
- A rarity scale (variations of dials and productions) allowing each collector to acquire this reference according to their budget
- Easy assessment of the originality of the pieces
- A reference still accessible in very good condition
- A price range still accessible, even for rare productions...
- It's a Rolex Daytona!
In 1988, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Daytona, Rolex launched three new references: 16520 (steel), 16523 (gold/steel), and 16528 (18K gold). The case size increased from 37.5 mm (4-digit Daytona) to 39.0 mm. The manual movement (based on Valjoux) was replaced by the very robust caliber 4030 (based on Zenith's El Primero 400). It's important to note that the development of this caliber required four years of research and development (more than half of the parts were replaced to improve performance).
We have already written on this subject, and for more details, you can refer to (the "Porcelain Dial", the first dial variations "Floating" and "4 lines", or even investment suggestions for a Rolex Daytona); today, we wanted to present you with four references that made the history of this legendary Daytona. All the models featured in this article.
Rolex Daytona 16520 “Floating Dial” - Black Dial
With a serial number "R", the "Mark 1" was the first series launched in 1988. It featured the transitional bezel between the "4-digit" and the new 200-unit reference. Its main feature is the "floating" dial. It is the rarest version of the steel models, produced for only one year.
The watch presented here is the black dial version, which is rarer than the white dial version.
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The 16520 R series
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The details of the "Floating" dial
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Rolex Daytona 16520 “4 lines” - White Dial
With a serial number "L", the "MK2" marks the first change that would be the source of the "collector" factor for this reference. The dial and bezel were modified. The dial changed to the "4 lines" version, and the bezel now features 400 units, with the peculiarity of displaying "225" before "250". It, too, was produced for only one year. Another very rare series...
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An L series "Full Set"
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The 4-line inscriptions
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Rolex Daytona 16520 “Inverted 6” - White Dial
With a serial number "X" (1991), the "MK3" Daytona returns to a "5 lines" layout, but without the floating feature. The bezel remains in the 400-unit version, but the units "250" and "225" were replaced by "240". The dial is distinguished by an "inverted 6" at the "12-hour" sub-counter. While less rare than the "floating" and the "4 lines," the "inverted 6" remains a highly sought-after piece by collectors.
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The complete set of this 16520
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The 4-line inscriptions
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Rolex Daytona 16520 “Luminova” A Series - White Dial – The last production of this reference
With a serial number "A" (1999), this Daytona is part of the last batch of the 16520. Its main characteristic is the disappearance of Tritium, replaced by a new non-radioactive luminescent material, Luminova. This reference is not the rarest, but it is worth noting that it is the "last" one... A factor not to be overlooked in a collection context.
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The complete set of this "A series"
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The last series ever produced
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A Reasoned Investment in Daytona References
Perfectly situated between the iconic "4-digit" models, which can reach astronomical prices, and the "6-digit" models with Rolex calibers, the 16520 and its gold and gold/steel variations are the dream model for budding collectors. A pure line that contains the original essence of the Daytona, and variations (porcelain dial, floating, 4 lines, Patrizzi) that can ignite the passions of auction house investors.
A model to collect, if not to seriously accumulate.
