Rolex Daytona 116520 Everything you need to know

 

 

 

A Bit Of Background On The Rolex Daytona 

Arguably about the most recognisable and famous style of watch in history, The Daytona has the mark of history about it.  Worn by many celebrities including Michael Jordan, John Legend and Elle Macpherson.  Famously, Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona 6239 sold for a whopping $17.7million in 2017 and went on display at the museum of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, L.A. in September 2021.  The reference is sometimes referred to as the Newman Daytona. 

 

The name “Daytona” comes from the car racetrack in Florida.  Sir Malcolm Campbell - professional race car driver - set the world record of 245mph there in 1931.  

 

The founder or Rolex, Hans Wildorf, saw an opportunity and asked the well known driver to become an ambassador for Rolex watches, which he was happy to do.

 

Wildorf was very savvy when it came to marketing.  Mercedes Gleitze, the first person to swim the English Channel, agreed to wear the brand new Oyster watch for her event, bringing attention to the Rolex brand as far back as 1927.  Connecting with people who were setting world records and attempting amazing feats put his watches in the spotlight and helped his brand become a household name. 

 

It was the beginning of a long relationship with the official race track, although it wasn’t until around 1962 or 63 that the watch was officially named “Daytona”, when it became the official time-keeper of the races.  However, the name wasn’t printed on the watch face until 1965 with reference 6239.  This one had a metal bezel with the tachometer scale engraved on it.

 

The Rolex Daytona 16520 was brought out in 1988.   The Daytona was originally powered by the Zenith calibre, but by the time they were ready to release the 16520, Rolex had modified the Zenith movement to such an extent that they were able to give the new movement their own name and number - the calibre 4030.  

 

In 1995 Rolex brought out the 16523 Daytona in two-tone: gold and steel.  But this was also powered by the new calibre 4030.  The reference 16528 is the same watch but in full yellow gold.  The 16518 has the same gold case but instead of a metal bracelet, comes with a leather strap, and the 16519 is the same watch again but in white gold - also with a leather strap. 

 

 

 

Introduction To The Rolex Daytona 116520 

Then, in 2000, along came the Rolex Daytona 116520.  With Rolex’s very own calibre 4130 movement, rather than an adapted Zenith.  It brought steel sports watches into the modern era of automatic movement.  

 

Throughout its emergence, the Daytona didn’t change very much in appearance.  The main noticeable difference between the 116520 and previous models  is that the dials are located in different places with the seconds indicator located at the 6 O’clock position and the 12-hour register located at the 9 O’clock.  It has a power reserve of 72 hours and comes with a black dial or a white dial.  

 

Being linked to the world of motor racing, the Daytona has the capacity to measure time and show average speeds in the tachymetric bezel.  

Why Is The Rolex Daytona 116520 So Popular? 

There are several reasons the Daytona 116520 is so popular and which reasons are the most important can be argued for days.  One reason the reference 116520’s popularity is that it was the first watch with Rolex’s very own in-house developed movement.  It was a land-mark moment in the Rolex history and it feels good to own and wear some of that history. 

 

The other obvious reason is the classic design of the watch that is so recognisable and admired.  It is a statement piece that says “I’m successful” but also says “I have a taste for the finer things in life”.   

 

The third important reason for its popularity is that it’s a very good investment timepiece.  More about this later. 

 

 

 

Rolex Daytona 116520 Specifications Table 

Rolex Daytona 116520 Specifications
Case diameter	40mm
Main materials	Stateless steel
Bracelet	Oyster bracelet
Functions	12-hr chrono, running seconds and Chrono minutes
Dial	Black or white/luminous hours
Movement & crystal	4130, sapphire
Bezel	Fixed, Stainless steel/ Tachymeter scale
Water Resistance	100m (330ft)

 

What Year Did The Rolex Daytona 116520 Come Into Production? 

Rolex unveiled the Daytona 116520 in the year 2000. Before the 116520, the Daytona’s movement was a modified El Primero which Rolex named the 4030.

 

 

 

What Year Was The Rolex Daytona 116520 Discontinued? 

The Daytona 116520 was discontinued in 2016 and replaced with the 116500 the same year.

Which Is Better: The White Or Black Dial Daytona? 

Obviously, this question is very subjective and every Rolex owner will have their own preference and reason for it.  However, generally speaking, there seems to be a leaning towards the white being more popular.  It makes reading the time a bit easier than the black dial and has a nice contrast with the black subdials.  The black might be generally considered more masculine but more difficult to read.  The black bezel blends into the black dial, giving the impression that the watch size is larger than the white dial watch.   The white is more eye-catching on the wrist so if you’re wearing a dark suit, it will really pop.  

What is an “APH” dial Daytona? 

Once in a while something might go wrong or an error get missed during the manufacturing of a timepiece.  For a few years, a small number of Rolex reference 116520s were made that have a slight gap in the word Cosmograph between the “R” and the last three letters: “APH” - resulting in the nickname “APH” dial.  Far from seeing collectors put off by the error, the quirk has made these few watches all the more desirable, pushing their prices even higher than the perfect specimens.  

 

The error happened on both white and black dial watches, although there seem to be more white dial ones.  Furthermore, there are “APH” watches in full gold as well as the gold and steel versions.  

 

With comparatively few “APH” watches in circulation, they are more coveted than the regular 116520 reference but obviously extremely difficult to find. 

 

 

 

 

Is A Rolex Daytona 116520 A Good Investment? 

The likely answer is yes.  The price of pre-owned Daytonas has increased steadily for the past five years or so and shows no sign of dropping.  If you’re lucky enough to find an “APH” 116520, it is likely to be an even better investment. 

 

Where Is The Best Place To Buy A Rolex Daytona 116520? 

When you’re considering buying a classic timepiece, especially a pre-owned one, you need to get in touch with the experts at Chrono Hunter.  The experienced team can advise you well and help you to obtain the reference you desire.  The service is second to none, and you’ll be in the best hands. 

Conclusion 

The Rolex 116520 is an extremely iconic Rolex watch that any collector would be thrilled to own.  If you get one, it’s likely to be a very valuable investment as well as a joy to own.  If you’re looking for a 116520, or any other model, or if you’re thinking about selling one, contact Chrono Hunter and our expert team will help you to track down your desired reference. 

 

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