1996 Rolex 'Zenith' Daytona White Dial - Box & Papers (Ref. 16520)
- Worth A Read
- Specifications
- Condition
History & Significance
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona has always been synonymous with precision, motorsport heritage, and timeless design. The Ref. 16520, introduced in 1988, was the first automatic Daytona and the first to feature a sapphire crystal, solid construction, and the high-beat Zenith El Primero movement, modified extensively by Rolex to meet its own rigorous standards.
Produced until 2000, the Zenith-era Daytonas remain some of the most collectible modern chronographs due to their limited production and pivotal role bridging vintage and contemporary Rolex design. This 1996 example, with its crisp white dial and clean steel bezel, embodies the refined aesthetic of late 20th-century Rolex watchmaking.
Writer's Thoughts
The Zenith-era Daytona has an undeniable appeal. The proportions are perfect, the movement is historically significant, and the overall execution is pure Rolex. This particular example captures that transitional moment before Rolex introduced its in-house caliber. A watch that feels both vintage and modern at once.
Our Promise
Every watch is carefully inspected, fully vetted, and described with full transparency. This Rolex is guaranteed authentic and comes backed by our commitment to honesty, quality, and trust.
Brand: Rolex
Model: Daytona Ref. 16520
Year: 1996
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Size: 40mm diameter, 46mm lug-to-lug
Bezel: Engraved stainless steel bezel with black inlay
Dial: White dial with contrasting black ring sub-registers
Crystal: Sapphire crystal
Movement: Rolex Caliber 4030 automatic (Zenith El Primero-based)
Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Clasp: Rolex-signed steel clasp
Contents: Box and papers
Case: Very clean and even; shows signs of a light polish but retains strong, brushed lugs.
Bezel: Polished steel bezel with all black inlay fully intact.
Crystal: Sapphire crystal in excellent condition, free of major scratches.
Dial: Original and untouched white dial; minor wear visible near the edge of the right sub-register.
Hands: Original tritium hands with matching aged lume.
Bracelet: Polished Oyster bracelet with minimal stretch and excellent fit.
Clasp: Fully functional, remaining tight and secure.
1996 Rolex 'Zenith' Daytona White Dial - Box & Papers (Ref. 16520)
Authenticity Guaranteed
All our watches are carefully inspected to insure and guarantee the authenticity.
The Details
All our watches are scrutinized during inspection to make sure our descriptions are as accurate as possible.
- Related products
- Recently viewed
Cart
No more products available for purchase
Your Cart is Empty
Pair with
- Worth A Read
- Specifications
- Condition
History & Significance
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona has always been synonymous with precision, motorsport heritage, and timeless design. The Ref. 16520, introduced in 1988, was the first automatic Daytona and the first to feature a sapphire crystal, solid construction, and the high-beat Zenith El Primero movement, modified extensively by Rolex to meet its own rigorous standards.
Produced until 2000, the Zenith-era Daytonas remain some of the most collectible modern chronographs due to their limited production and pivotal role bridging vintage and contemporary Rolex design. This 1996 example, with its crisp white dial and clean steel bezel, embodies the refined aesthetic of late 20th-century Rolex watchmaking.
Writer's Thoughts
The Zenith-era Daytona has an undeniable appeal. The proportions are perfect, the movement is historically significant, and the overall execution is pure Rolex. This particular example captures that transitional moment before Rolex introduced its in-house caliber. A watch that feels both vintage and modern at once.
Our Promise
Every watch is carefully inspected, fully vetted, and described with full transparency. This Rolex is guaranteed authentic and comes backed by our commitment to honesty, quality, and trust.
Brand: Rolex
Model: Daytona Ref. 16520
Year: 1996
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Size: 40mm diameter, 46mm lug-to-lug
Bezel: Engraved stainless steel bezel with black inlay
Dial: White dial with contrasting black ring sub-registers
Crystal: Sapphire crystal
Movement: Rolex Caliber 4030 automatic (Zenith El Primero-based)
Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Clasp: Rolex-signed steel clasp
Contents: Box and papers
Case: Very clean and even; shows signs of a light polish but retains strong, brushed lugs.
Bezel: Polished steel bezel with all black inlay fully intact.
Crystal: Sapphire crystal in excellent condition, free of major scratches.
Dial: Original and untouched white dial; minor wear visible near the edge of the right sub-register.
Hands: Original tritium hands with matching aged lume.
Bracelet: Polished Oyster bracelet with minimal stretch and excellent fit.
Clasp: Fully functional, remaining tight and secure.