Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16520
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1996
Maker / issuer
RolexThis Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 16520 is a stainless steel automatic chronograph dating to 1996. The watch features a black dial with three subsidiary registers, identified as a 'Mk5' tritium configuration with an upright numeral '6' in the hour totalizer.
The dial is marked with 'T SWISS MADE T' at the six o'clock position. The case measures 40mm in diameter and is paired with a steel Oyster bracelet, reference 78390, featuring polished center links, '503B' end links, and a clasp marked with code 'Z6'. The movement is the Rolex calibre 4030, an automatic chronograph mechanism described by the vendor as a modified version of the Zenith El Primero. The auction description reports that the watch has undergone service by their internal watchmaker and retains its original components, including a black dial showing subtle signs of ageing in the sub-dials.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Chronograph
- Maker
- Rolex
- Serial
- T89xxxx
- Calibre
- 4030
- Dial Type
- Mk5 tritium
- Reference
- 16520
- Clasp Code
- Z6
- Bracelet Reference
- 78390
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The black dial is characterized by three subsidiary registers for the chronograph functions. According to the provided details, this is an original tritium-luminous dial in the 'Mk5' configuration. A distinguishing feature of this specific layout is the upright numeral '6' located within the lower hour register. The luminous material on the dial and hands shows subtle ageing, resulting in a creamy tone in the sub-dials. The dial is signed at the base with the text 'T SWISS MADE T', confirming the use of tritium as the original luminous compound, and retains its original finish.
- Visible features
- • Dial marked 'T SWISS MADE T' at the six o'clock position • Upright '6' numeral in the bottom sub-dial • Brushed and polished steel Oyster bracelet links • Screw-down chronograph pushers and winding crown
- Case and Bracelet
- The watch is housed in a 40mm steel case with a tachymeter bezel. The design incorporates the characteristic screw-down chronograph pushers and winding crown associated with the Oyster case architecture. The case displays a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, consistent with the 16520 reference specifications. The watch is mounted on a stainless steel Oyster bracelet identified as reference 78390. This bracelet includes polished center links and is secured by end links stamped 503B. The clasp is recorded with the code Z6, which is consistent with the late 1990s period of manufacture for this specific watch.
- Movement and Service
- The watch is powered by the Rolex calibre 4030, an automatic movement that functions as the base for the chronograph complication. The source notes that this movement was derived from the Zenith El Primero design, which was subsequently modified by Rolex for use in the 16520 reference during this production era. The auction description reports that the movement has been fully serviced by the vendor's internal watchmaker.
Identification
- Reference
- 16520
- Serial number
- T89xxxx
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The exact month of production is not specified within the year 1996
- Research required: The description of sub-dial colouration as 'creamy' is subjective