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Lot Essay
With Rolex Warranty, product information, Rolex original fitted green presentation box and outer packaging.
1988 , This year marks an important turning point at the Basel Spring Fair, Rolex launches the new Daytona 16520 reference. The manual winding movement is discontinued and replaced by the modern self-winding mechanism. Although the movement is based on the Zenith El Primero, it is greatly modified by Rolex and renamed Caliber 4030. The new Daytona is released in steel, gold, and also for the first time, in a gold and steel version. Besides being waterproof, the timepieces feature a sapphire crystal glass and a larger case. It immediately becomes a commercial phenomenon with endless waiting lists at retailers.
The early models sport a 200 graduated tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel and a black or white dial. Furthermore, the main graphics feature a five-row layout, the last of which is slightly "separated", nicknamed "staccato" meaning detached.
A few versions are fitted with dials exhibiting a white "grand feu" enamel background, best known today as the "porcelain dial".
This watch is one of the very first versions produced. Its case bears the rare "R" serial number, denoting a first batch production, and it is fitted with the correct five-liner staccato dial. The bezel is indeed still graduated to 200, a heritage from previous manually-wound models.
The font used for the designations on the dial is characterised by highly accentuated serifs and this is the last model where Rolex uses artisanal methods to apply the writing. Later, laser methodology will be used.
This extremely sought-after model is in perfect condition, a rarity for this model, considered an essential model for automatic Daytona-collectors and comes with its original box and guarantee.
1988 , This year marks an important turning point at the Basel Spring Fair, Rolex launches the new Daytona 16520 reference. The manual winding movement is discontinued and replaced by the modern self-winding mechanism. Although the movement is based on the Zenith El Primero, it is greatly modified by Rolex and renamed Caliber 4030. The new Daytona is released in steel, gold, and also for the first time, in a gold and steel version. Besides being waterproof, the timepieces feature a sapphire crystal glass and a larger case. It immediately becomes a commercial phenomenon with endless waiting lists at retailers.
The early models sport a 200 graduated tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel and a black or white dial. Furthermore, the main graphics feature a five-row layout, the last of which is slightly "separated", nicknamed "staccato" meaning detached.
A few versions are fitted with dials exhibiting a white "grand feu" enamel background, best known today as the "porcelain dial".
This watch is one of the very first versions produced. Its case bears the rare "R" serial number, denoting a first batch production, and it is fitted with the correct five-liner staccato dial. The bezel is indeed still graduated to 200, a heritage from previous manually-wound models.
The font used for the designations on the dial is characterised by highly accentuated serifs and this is the last model where Rolex uses artisanal methods to apply the writing. Later, laser methodology will be used.
This extremely sought-after model is in perfect condition, a rarity for this model, considered an essential model for automatic Daytona-collectors and comes with its original box and guarantee.