Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16520

In the early years, the Rolex Daytona was not a successful model. The Rolex chronograph gradually lost sight of the competition from TAG Heuer, Breitling and Co. This promptly changed with the reference 16520: thanks to the Zenith movement, with which the 16520, known for this reason as the Rolex Daytona Zenith, was equipped, its popularity rose rapidly – so much so that Rolex was unable to keep up with the production of the watches and the first waiting lists were created.

The best of both worlds

Produced between 1987 and 2000, the Rolex reference 16520 is neither young nor vintage – it combines the best of both worlds. Its appearance is close to the current Daytona models. At the same time, the 16520 is the last model to be a true Tool Watch: the reference 116520, launched in 2000, has a much larger Dresswatch attitude. Also, the Rolex 16520 Daytona is extremely comfortable to wear thanks to its perfect size and height. Secondly, the Ref. 16520 is the only Rolex with a third-party movement.

In 1987 a 16520 reference cost around 2,500 euros. Today the reference 16520 price is around 20,000 euros. As this Rolex Daytona model is no longer in production, the good specimens are becoming increasingly rare, which pushes the price up even higher. Whether you intend to wear the watch or put it away as an investment: buying early saves money. In our CHRONEXT online shop you will find several Daytona 16520 models. We give you a two-year warranty on functionality and originality on each model.

You can also trade in your used watch with us. You decide for yourself whether you want to have the money paid out or whether the purchase price should be offset against a Rolex 16520.

Although the reference 16520 was produced for less than 13 years, the variety of model details is enormous. The following three versions of the 16520 are particularly popular and have a stable value:

• Patrizzi Dial: The Patrizzi Dial was named after Osvaldo Patrizzi, the founder of Antiquorum, and describes the creation of patina on the silver rings of the totalizers on the dial. A Patrizzi Dial can easily double the value of a Daytona.

• Mark I Floating Dial: The Floating Dial was installed in the reference 16520 between 1987 and 1988 and is the rarest (and therefore most valuable) dial. It is distinguished by the Cosmograph logo at 12 o'clock, which is set off from the rest of the text.

• Porcelain Dial: The Porcelain Dial is a special version of the Mark I Floating Dial, which has a deep white (similar to porcelain) and raised lettering. A Rolex ref. 16520 with Porcelain Dial is usually priced in six figures.