Rolex "Four-Line Zenith” Daytona Reference 16520

This is an outstanding example of a Rolex "Four-Line Zenith” Daytona reference 16520 with a serial dating it to circa 1988 - one of the earliest automatic Daytonas ever made. The “Zenith Daytonas” have appreciated significantly the last few years as people respect the modified Zenith El Primero movements that Rolex used for their first automatic Daytonas starting in 1988. The case has been lightly polished, but it is in very strong condition.

Four-Line Daytonas are extremely rare and simply say “Superlative Chronometer” on the dial and not “Officially Certified” as found on the predecessor and successor versions of the reference 16520. It is surmised that Rolex was finding the amount of text on the dial a bit tedious for the predecessor “porcelain dial” versions of the automatic Daytona. The white dial on this example is mint and beautiful.

This watch has good provenance and was found from the original owner. This watch also features the rare and original 200 bezel. On many of these early examples, the bezel has been swapped for a later 400 bezel during a service.

This watch includes a framed Rolex advertisement featuring the identical “Four-Line Daytona” found by our friend Nick of Ad Patina. It is neat to see this rare “Four-Line” variation in a vintage Rolex ad.

This watch does not include the original box and papers, has an automatic movement (Caliber 4030 made by Zenith), and is 40mm in diameter.

This is a rare opportunity to purchase a very special early automatic Daytona.

SOLD (Item SBUXYT1573)