Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Rolex Daytona Ref. 16520 Floating Porcelain LNOS Full Set

SOLD

Straight Facts

The Rolex Daytona model, since its initial release, has been at the forefront of the market as the most desirable chronograph in production. Prior to the introduction of the Zenith movement, all previous Rolex chronographs were manual wind. Not until 1988 did Rolex release the Ref. 165XX, which features an automatic "self-winding" movement for their headliner sports watch. Rolex decided to outsource for their movement in this reference using the Zenith 400 movement originally manufactured for the Zenith “El-Primero.” They used this movement as the basis and then fortified it, performing approximately 200 modifications to the base movement to meet the expectations prestigious of the Wilsdorf group. This created the workhorse Rolex 4030 movement that was put in production for an era of 12 years. In this reference, Rolex also incorporated the more resilient sapphire crystals, a contributing factor to the increased depth rating guaranteed at 100m or 330ft. This 1988 example is the rarest and most desirable 16520 ever produced. It features a rare Floating Porcelain dial that was only produced for an extremely short period in the late 1980’s. The dial gives a wonderful effect and profound depth that is truly unlike any other piece the brand ever produced. The dial is in immaculate condition and is paired with its exceptional and seemingly unworn oyster case that even retains in original caseback sticker and uber rare MK. 1 bezel. Not to mention that the piece also comes with a super full set including its inner and outer box, papers, hangtag, booklets and service receipts. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a true grail vintage Daytona.

*Some marks or spots on the dial are reflections or dust on the crystal and are due to high intensity strobe lighting used while photographing. They are not actually on the watch or visible in natural lighting.

Stainless Steel 1988 Box & Papers Automatic Sport

"As collectors themselves, Oliver and Clarke are on a mission to make buying vintage watches as painless as possible."

"The company focuses on good prices for its pieces, elite customer service and full transparency."

"The appointment-only space is inviting, with comfortable seating areas and exposed brick walls."

From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.

Oliver & Clarke