Rolex Daytona Ref. 16520 'Zenith'
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1991
Maker / issuer
RolexThis Rolex Daytona, identified as a Reference 16520 from circa 1991, is a chronograph wristwatch characterized by its white 'Inverted 6' dial. The watch utilizes the Rolex 4030 movement, which is based on a modified El Primero automatic-winding movement.
Key external features include a stainless steel Oyster case equipped with a sapphire crystal and a steel tachymeter bezel. The watch is presented on its early, fully-brushed stainless steel Oyster bracelet featuring a blade-style clasp. The dial displays applied Tritium-filled indices and contrasting black sub-registers. The auction description reports the watch has been very lightly polished while retaining factory finishing, with the bezel displaying intact black paint within the engraved markings.
The watch is stated to have a depth rating of 100 meters or 330 feet.
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
- Date
- circa 1991
- Type
- Chronograph
- Bracelet
- Fully-brushed stainless steel Oyster bracelet with blade clasp
- Reference
- 16520
- Depth rating
- 100m / 330ft
- Dial features
- White Inverted 6 dial with Tritium indices
- Movement base
- El Primero
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Visible features
- • Gloss white dial with an 'inverted 6' numeral in the bottom sub-register • Applied indices containing Tritium luminous material • Stainless steel tachymeter bezel with black engraved markings • Fully-brushed Oyster bracelet with blade-style clasp
- Case and Bracelet
- The stainless steel Oyster case is reported to have been lightly polished previously, though it retains factory finishing. The case is matched with a stainless steel bezel that features a tachymeter scale, which the vendor notes contains fully-intact black paint within the engraved markings. This example is equipped with an early, fully-brushed stainless steel Oyster bracelet. Unlike later designs that utilized polished center-links and a fliplock mechanism, this piece retains a blade-style clasp, described as the correct configuration for this production era.
- Dial and Movement
- The dial is finished in gloss white and features three contrasting black sub-registers. A notable detail is the 'Inverted 6' marking on the lower sub-dial. The indices are applied and filled with Tritium, which the vendor describes as being evenly patinated. Internally, the watch is powered by the Rolex 4030 movement. This caliber is based on an outsourced El Primero movement, which underwent approximately 200 modifications by Rolex prior to its implementation in the 16xxx reference series.
- Technical Specification
- The Reference 16520 utilizes a sapphire crystal, which contributes to the watch's depth rating. The vendor specifies that this model is rated for water resistance to a depth of 100 meters or 330 feet. The 4030 movement, serving as the primary mechanical driver for the watch, was produced for a twelve-year period starting in 1988, following Rolex's decision to utilize an automatic-winding caliber for their Daytona line.
Identification
- Reference
- 16520
- 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 extent of previous polishing is based on the vendor's assessment
- Research required: The specific production serial number is not provided