Housing the first self-winding Daytona movement, this Rolex Daytona reference 16520 is a historically significant piece with several small distinguishing details that make them collectable. This particular example has an unusual inverted 6 that is often sought-after by collectors, while overall, the piece invokes the sporty, fast-paced atmosphere of motorsports racing in the 1960s.

The origins of the Cosmograph begin in 1963, with the reference 6239. Designed as the ultimate tool watch for endurance racing drivers, the Daytona featured clean styling, with excellent resistance to both shock and moisture. The original concept for the model was The Rolex LeMans, as featured in early Rolex advertisements. In 1964, Rolex later introduced the Daytona signature to the Cosmograph dial, signifying the brands sponsorship of the annual 24 Hours of Daytona race, held in Daytona Beach, Florida. In the earliest versions of the watch, the signature was first placed at 12 oclock, under the word Cosmograph.

In 1988, Rolex introduced the first generation of automatic Daytonas, with the reference 16520 in steel and the reference 16528 in yellow gold. Housing the Zenith-based calibre 4030, the new generation featured a larger case and was fitted with a sapphire crystal. The new movement was a modified example of Zeniths iconic El Primero calibre, which was first introduced in 1969, amid the race between several manufacturers to design the first ever automatic chronograph movement.

After Zenith was sold to Zenith Electronics during the quartz crisis, the company discontinued production of mechanical movements. However, it is understood that Charles Vermot, a senior engineer at the factory where the El Primero was manufactured, secretly disassembled the tooling for the El Primero over a period of months and stored it in the factory attic after the closure had been announced. Years later, when Rolex expressed an interest in using the El Primero to power a new generation of Daytonas, Vermot showed company leaders where he had saved the tooling and production notes. Satisfied the company could meet its needs, Rolex awarded the ten-year contract to Zenith.

The watch is part of the late N-series, and possesses features which are consistent with the classification, such as the highly coveted inverted 6 seen on the hour sub-dial, in addition to rounded numbers and small markings. Further to this, there are five lines of text present on the dial, including Officially Certified, as opposed to the four lines of text found on other examples.

The number of variations that can be found within Rolex models is what makes the hunt for a particular reference so enjoyable, and the Zenith Daytona has developed quite a following over the years, given that it marks the last generation of Daytonas to still possess many of these quirky details and fluctuations.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this RolexDaytona 16520 N Series will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This Rolex Daytona 16520 N Series is in very good condition. Minor superficial marks are found on the bezel, case and bracelet consistent with minimal wear. More specifically on the lower left lug, likely from a previous strap change.

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.