Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116520 White Dial Box and Papers

Introduction

Released in 2000 as a brand new generation of Daytona, the ref. 116520 featured much of the same unchanged design that the previous “Zenith” Daytona had, except for several relatively minor details. To begin with, the dial layout had changed slightly, so the running seconds subdial went from 9 o’clock to 6 o’clock, and the subdials were no longer in line with the center of the dial. Instead, they moved up slightly above the middle of the dial (running from 9 to 3 o’clock). Additionally, Rolex gave the new Daytona broader indices to accommodate more lume, longer lugs, and a mirror finish on the case flanks to differentiate the latest generation even further.

But, without doubt, the latest generation’s most significant upgrade was Rolex’s new (at the time) in-house automatic cal. 4130 chronograph movement. Designed to be ruthlessly efficient, it has just 201 parts — a 20% decrease from the previous movement, the cal. 4030 — making for an even more reliable movement requiring even less servicing. Additionally, with more space free to accommodate a larger mainspring, Rolex increased the cal. 4030’s power reserve from 50 to 72 hours in the cal. 4130. All in all, even for a 20+ year old movement, the cal. 4130 is incredible even by today’s standards and fitting for the Daytona’s legendary legacy.

The Dial

Featuring one of the most recognizable dials in all of watchmaking, the ref. 116520 sports silver subdials and 18kt white gold applied indices and hands which sit atop its white dial and reflect the aesthetic of its famed stainless steel construction.

The Construction

Measuring 40mm in diameter, the Daytona wears on the wrist with a comfortable familiarity that enables almost anyone to easily pull it off.

Condition

The watch is in overall excellent condition. The case has benefitted from a refresh and shows some very light scratches and signs of wear. The bezel is excellent, with all of the enamel in the tachymeter readings still intact. The white dial is in very good condition, with a couple of light marks, and the hands are clean. The solid link Oyster bracelet has some light surface scratches, light play between the links, and a moderately worn coronet on the clasp. The bracelet currently fits a 6 1/2″ wrist and has 9 links, with 3 additional links included. Comes with boxes (some degradation to the outer box), punched papers, wallet, calendar card, and booklets.