Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 'Zenith', 16520

We are proud to present this stunning Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘Zenith’ for sale, which has been fully checked in our in-house accredited workshop.

Born out of the early 1930’s sports watches worn by Sir Malcom Campbell, Rolex has long been associated with motor racing and speed. In 1963 Rolex removed the telemeter scale and moved the tachymeter onto the bezel for increased dial legibility and introduced the world to the term ‘Cosmograph’. But it was not until 1965 that the term ‘Daytona’ was used on the model, which came about as Rolex was the official timepiece of the racetrack.

This version the reference 16520 was first produced in 1988, the 165xx series ran until 2000 and came in a larger 40mm stainless steel Oyster case compared to the previous versions 37mm. It features a fixed steel units per hour bezel and a crisp white dial with the luminous hands and hour markers edged in white gold to prevent tarnishing. The chronograph sub-dials are framed in black which is a way of differentiating between this model and the later 116520 which has silver subdial surrounds. Powered by the modified Zenith El Primero movement known as the calibre 4030, for which this 'Zenith' Daytona gets its affectionate nickname. It also has steel screw-down pushers and a matching steel triple-lock crown allowing for a water resistance of 10atm (100m/330ft), and comes fitted with a matching stainless steel Oyster link bracelet with a folding safety catch clasp.

Originally purchased in July 1998 and in mint condition for its age, this Daytona comes as a complete set, with its original outer & inner boxes, translation booklet, calendar card, Daytona booklet, Oyster booklet, leather card holder, Rolex service card (December 2008), Rolex service booklet, original purchase invoice and perforated international warranty certificate.

This Daytona is sold with our 12-month warranty from the date of purchase. 

This is a serious collectors piece as the ‘Zenith’ Daytona’s were not made for long and have since become incredibly scarce and collectable.