Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 16520
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1995
Maker / issuer
RolexThis Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference 16520, is a stainless steel self-winding chronograph dating to 1995. It is equipped with the calibre 4030 movement, a modified Zenith El-Primero mechanism.
The watch features a black Mk5 dial with tritium lume and a 'straight' 6 numeral on the lower sub-dial. The sub-dials exhibit a beige patina, a characteristic sometimes referred to as 'Patrizzi' dials. The 40mm steel case is paired with an Oyster bracelet, reference 78390, featuring 503b endlinks and a clasp stamped 'V 4'. Accompaniments include the inner and outer boxes, card holder, booklet, calendar, and original punched papers indicating a 1996 sale at Wempe in Germany.
The watch has been serviced and regulated by the watchmaker, and the set includes two spare links and a leather watch pouch.
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
- Model
- Cosmograph Daytona
- Endlinks
- 503b
- Movement
- Calibre 4030 (modified Zenith El-Primero)
- Case Size
- 40mm
- Reference
- 16520
- Serial Number
- W90xxxx
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Bracelet Reference
- 78390
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Movement
- The timepiece is powered by the Rolex calibre 4030 movement. This is a self-winding chronograph movement based on the Zenith El-Primero architecture, modified by Rolex. The movement is visible through the removable steel case back, which is internally marked 'Montres Rolex S.A.', 'Geneva Switzerland', 'Stainless Steel', and '16500'. The watchmaker at the dealership has performed a full check and regulation of the movement.
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a 40mm stainless steel case. The dial is a black Mk5 iteration featuring tritium luminescent material. A distinct feature of this dial is the '6' numeral in the lower sub-dial, which is oriented in an upright position. The sub-dials have developed a beige patina over time, which the listing notes is sometimes referred to by collectors as a 'Patrizzi' dial. A tachymetric scale is engraved on the steel bezel. The accompanying Oyster bracelet, reference 78390, is fitted with 503b endlinks. The clasp is stamped 'V 4', and the watch includes two spare links. The overall aesthetic is accented by the red 'DAYTONA' text situated above the lower register.
- Visible features
- • Case and bezel are described as being in good condition. • Sub-dials feature beige discoloration. • Tritium luminescent material is present on the dial. • Movement is identified as a modified Zenith El-Primero.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The watch is documented by a comprehensive set of original items. This includes the inner and outer boxes, a card holder, a booklet, and a calendar. The set also contains the original punched papers, which identify the date of sale as 1996 from the retailer Wempe in Germany. The sale includes a leather watch pouch alongside the aforementioned period accessories. The watch is presented as being from the 1995 production year, consistent with its W-series serial number prefix.
Identification
- Reference
- 16520
- Serial number
- W90xxxx
- 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 source refers to sub-dial color change as 'Patrizzi' dials, an external term.
- Research required: The exact serial number is partially redacted in the source.