1989 Rolex Daytona St/G Floating Dial Ref. 16523

The Floating Daytona

The Reference 16520 was launched in 1988 as the first self-winding Daytona from Rolex. Because Rolex at that time wasn't able to master it themselves they introduced the watch with the Zenith Cal. 4030 automatic movement. It was an upgraded version of the original El Primero Cal. 400 with extensive modifications. All in all Rolex removed about 50% of the original parts from the movement and replaced them with their own. In line with the changes to the movement there were more firsts. The 16520 now had a sapphire crystal and a larger 40mm case. With all modifications the new Daytona became much more contemporary and wearable given its technical properties. The example offered here is one of the earlier ones produced in 1989 and has the so-called 'Floating' dial. With floating is meant that there is a gap under the Chonometer text on the dial and the Cosmograph writing. The black dial with original lumes is signed 'T Swiss T' indicating the use of Tritium luminous on dial and hands which was changed to Luminova in 1997. The case and bracelet are healthy retained in beautiful and strong condition with well defined proportions.