
The perfect Daytona?
1991 Rolex Daytona 'Zenith' Ref. 16520 'Inverted 6' with Box
Reference: 16520
Serial: N311xxx
Year: 1991
Case: All stainless steel
Dimensions: 40mm excluding crown
Function: Chronograph
Caliber: Rolex cal. 4030 Automatic
Strap: Rolex Oyster 78360 stainless steel bracelet with 503 end links and clasp code R6
Crystal: Sapphire
Box/Papers: Yes/No
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 was this watch that began the Daytona mania that has never really died down.
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 The steel 16520 is now three generations old, having been superseded twice by the 116520 in 2000 and the 116500 in 2016.
Offered for sale here is a beautiful Rolex Daytona ‘Zenith’ Ref. 16520 white ‘Zenith’ with ‘Inverted Six’ dial from 1991. The ‘6’ at the hour counter is still inverted and there are still (as per the MK1 and MK2) four hash markers in each five-minute subsection of the minute register. This dial saw the reintroduction of “OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED” (not seen since the MK1 dial) but all five lines are evenly spaced together below the Rolex coronet.
The dial is flawless, preserving its full glossiness and presents a creamy patina hue on the sub registers which some call ‘Patrizzi’.
The case remains strong, featuring thick lugs with sharp bevels that follow factory standards. There are only some minor signs of wear. The case back remains in the same condition. The correct bezel preserves the ink on the markers and shows some normal signs of wear.
The original Rolex Oyster 78360 stainless steel bracelet with 503 end links and clasp code R6 is in great condition too, with little stretch and normal signs of use.
The sapphire crystal is clean with only two very minor marks hardly seen by the human eye.
It is running well and keeping time, although service history is unknown.
This example comes with its original outer and inner boxes.
Indeed, a beautiful watch with sporty yet classy looks perfect for any time and that will certainly keep seeing an increase in value over the next years.
Macros of dial and case are available under request.