NOS 1998 U-series Rolex Daytona Ref. 16520 'Zenith' 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 time is devoted to that other branch of the family, the legendary Zenith-powered 165xx and the increasingly sought-after neo-vintage.

 

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 is 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 The steel 16520 is now three generations old, having been superseded twice by the 116520 in 2000 and the 116500 in 2016.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 New Old Stock (NOS) example of the last tritium series of the 16520 Zenith, so a further description of its condition is unnecessary. It is simply new, unworn.

 

It preserves intact the original case back sticker, the clasp is hard, and the bracelet is tight. There are no spring bar marks. There are just some very light and superficial storage marks on the bezel and bracelet.

 

The sub-dials have acquired a very light creamy tone, seen under a certain type of light.

 

It is presented with all the goodies, including the original and stamped guarantee papers confirming the sale in 1998 by a Spanish AD, country where we bought it directly from the first owner who stored it in a safe until now. Inner box, outer box with reference sticker as well as black sticker confirming it was born with a black dial and not swapped, wallet, calendar, translation booklet, Rolex Cosmograph Daytona manual, Rolex Oyster manual, hang tag and bezel protector.

 

The crown pulls off and winds hard, as on a new watch should be.

 

It is running at COSC specs.

 

It comes suited on the original and complete 20mm Rolex Oyster 78390 bracelet with 503B end links and date stamped U9. The clasp is hard, as on a new watch should be.

 

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 few years.

 

Finding a NOS example is close to impossible. So, do not miss this opportunity or you will miss it forever.