Rolex Four Line Zenith Daytona Reference 16520

This is an outstanding example of a Rolex "Four-Line Zenith” Daytona reference 16520 with an R9 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. It is paired on a 78360 bracelet has a M6 date code dating to circa 1988 with non-flip lock and 503 end links. The case has been lightly polished, but it is in very strong condition. It measures 40mm in diameter (46mm lug-to-lug). This watch is powered by the automatic movement (Caliber 4030 made by Zenith).

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 a few years ago and has remained in a single collection since we first offered it. 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 is a rare opportunity to purchase a very special early automatic Daytona.

This watch does not include a box or papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 5 bar.

PRICE: INQUIRE (Item SBUXYT5349)