













1997 Rolex Daytona Black Tritium Dial Ref. 16520 (with Rolex Service Card)
1997 Rolex Daytona Black Tritium Dial Ref. 16520 (with Rolex Service Card)
Momentum by AIX Tempora, Ltd.
ICD Brookfield Place, Al Mustaqbal St, DIFC, POBox 506645
Dubai DU
United Arab Emirates
The black Zenith - 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 later ones produced in 1996, 4 years before the reference was discontinued and the new 116520 with 100% in-house movement was launched. The black dial with original lumes is signed 'T Swiss Made T' indicating the use of Tritium luminous on dial and hands which was changed to Luminova in 1997, makes this piece one of the last ones released with Tritium dial. The case and bracelet are healthy retained in beautiful and strong condition with well defined proportions, not to forget the crisp bezel. The market for these has gone up upon strong demand and there are times we cannot get our hands on a nice example. We are happy to offer this watch with a fresh Rolex Service Card from 2021.
SKU | 1.2.039 |
Brand | Rolex |
Model | Daytona |
Ref. No. | 16520 |
Serial No. | U758xxx |
Year | 1997 |
Gender | Gents |
Case Size | 40mm |
Case | Excellent case that has been lightly polished in the past and is showing light wear from age. Numbers between the lugs are crisp. The bezel is also in excellent condition and still bears the black enameling in the numbers. |
Bracelet / Strap | Excellent 78390 Oyster with polished center links. The bracelet shows little stretch for its age. Clasp code is U, dating it to 1998 |
Dial | Excellent black Tritium dial with original luminous and matching hands. Lights up when exposed to UV and falls at the same rate |
Price | Sold |
Crystal | Sapphire |
Movement | Automatic, Zenith Cal.4030 |
Functions | Chronograph |
Condition | Mint |
Box | No |
Papers | with Rolex Service Card |

Brief History
Rolex Daytona
The iconic ‘Daytona’ appeared on the Rolex Oyster Chronograph in 1965, in honor of the famed Florida racetrack.
The Daytona is characterized by its Chronograph function with the ‘Units Per Hour’ tachymeter bezel, which allows Miles Per Hour readings, along with its triple-register chronograph dial layout.
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