1989 Rolex Daytona 'Zenith' Ref. 16520 MK 2 '4-LINES' Inverted 6 Full Set

Even as the Daytona in its various flavors continues to clock new price milestones – MK1 Oyster “Paul Newman” Daytona, Oyster Sotto Newman, unique pieces and svelte plastic crystal 62xx references with their timeless 36mm cases and slender 19mm lug width – this article is devoted to that other branch of the family, the legendary Zenith-powered 165xx.

 

The story begins in 1988 at Baselworld when Rolex unveiled the newest incarnation, and most significant redesign of their flagship sports watch, the automatic Daytona. The 16520 Daytona heralded the introduction of a new 40mm case and a sapphire crystal. The previous 62xx Daytonas all had plexi crystals and so the introduction of the robust sapphire crystals on the new case meant that Rolex was able to guarantee the watches to a depth rating of 100m (330ft).

 

The first self-winding chronograph from Rolex is the Zenith-powered 165xx. The so-called Zenith Daytonas have long been of keen interest to collectors, and they increased steeply in value when the latest version of the steel Daytona was released at Baselworld 2016. It’s an interesting pattern with Rolex watches – as new iterations of models are released; older versions steadily appreciate. The 165xx series watches have almost doubled in value over the past two or three years.

 

It was this watch that began the Daytona mania that has never really died down. There is seemingly always a waiting list for newly released steel sports watches from Rolex, which often dies down once the initial clamor subsides a little. The Daytona seems to buck this trend and getting a new steel Daytona from an authorized dealer has always been something of a dark art.

 

Like all Rolex wristwatches, the older the Zenith Daytonas become, the more interest grows amongst collectors. The steel 16520 is now three generations old, having been superceded twice by the 116520 in 2000 and the 116500 in 2016. And so, the Zenith-powered Daytona has developed a following. This is largely since it is possibly one of the last production Rolex watches to feature several significant variations to the dial and bezels.

Offered for sale here is a beautiful example of a MK2 16520.  The ‘6’ at the hour counter is still inverted as in the MK1, but instead of a floating COSMOGRAPH, this word is now grouped with the rest at the top of the dial, but the OFFICIALY CERTIFIED line is omitted. This is known as the Four-Liner. Rare and balanced.

 

This example here is in honest shape. The 40mm excluding the original crown and the screw pushers stainless steel case has minor scratches from wear.

 

The rare and elusive 225 bezel, unique in this version, remains in great shape too, showing signs of use.

 

It is suited on the original 20mm Rolex Oyster 78360 bracelet with 503 end links and clasp code M11 that shows some stretch from use.

 

It is running at COSC specs although service history is unknown.

 

This one is presented with the original guarantee stamped papers confirming the sale in 1989 by a Spanish jeweler, country where we bought it from the first owner. Outer box with reference and dial color stickers, inner box, wallet, hang tag, calendar, manuals, and wallet are also included.