THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 116520
YEAR: 2004
BOX/PAPERS: YES/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC
The Daytona does not need any introduction, it’s one of the few watches that, no matter who you speak to, watch enthusiast or not, they’ve heard of a Daytona.
From humble beginnings in the form of the 6234 Cosmograph, considered to be the precursor to the Daytona, to the latest ceramic version that Rolex make now, the model has gone through drastic changes over the last 60 odd years to become one the most desirable timepieces ever.
Prices have skyrocketed recently as the demand for the model soars, the earlier models such as the Zenith powered 16520 have now surpassed the current model in terms of value and quite rightly so. The model we have years is the successor to the infamous Zenith Daytona, the 116520 started life in 2001 and the early examples with serial numbers in the P, K, Y and early F ranges seem to have dials that react to the lack of sun exposure, a bit like paint in a dark room turning yellow. These watches now have the name “Panna Dial” Daytona’s, Panna in Italian meaning cream, after the colour the dial turns over time. This discolouration varies from watch to watch, some with little or no change, to some extremely rare examples turning an almost mustard like colour.
The watch is in immaculate condition and running well. 0 beat error, 240 amps and -4 per day. The watch comes with its box and booklets dated 2004, the original bracelet is stamped CL5 (May 04) and is two links short. The watch will fit an 18.5cm wrist.
These are tipped to be the next “Patrizzi” in terms of collectability yet, you can still own one of these for less than its common modern counterpart