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ImranLondon
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Rolex Daytona ref.16520 Collecting the Legend

Collecting: The Legendary 16520- A very personal view on collectability and rarity

Launched in 1989, the 16520 is now approaching its 30thbirthday. I think we can call it a near vintage or perhaps “classic”. The first automatic Daytona, with a heart derived from the legendary El-Primero. It was an instant classic. Throughout its entire production period, the steel version was never available to buy in a shop window. The waiting list started at 2 years and by the time production ended in 2000, you couldn’t even get on a list. Ironic as the previous models 6263/6265 were never popular during production.

Today you can possibly get 3 x 16520 for the price of a “big Red” 6263. But this won’t last long for sure. Collectors are already aware, and prices have definitely firmed up. Like the 1950’s Submariners, there are versions which are eminently rarer and more collectible. 

The Early Years

This is the exciting era. Between 1989 and 1990-91 there were numerous variations, these have become highly desired and rare. Now we look at these variations:

R Series 1989/90

There is essentially three variations here. This can be considered the first series of 16520:

1. The black dial, 200 units bezel with “floating” Cosmograph

2. The white dial with 200 units bezel with “floating” Cosmograph

3. White dial so called “porcelain” dial

In terms of rarity this is difficult. For sure all are rare, and for sure the Porcelain is by far the most desirable on the market, but I think the black maybe rarer. Certainly finding a black for sale is more difficult, whereas a porcelain can be found if you are willing to pay the price.

Black R series 16520

L Series 1990

Here its gets more confusing. The 200 unit bezel continued in a few models, namely with the four lines dial. The black being rarer (in fact possibly the rarest variation of any 16520). The white dial is seen more but again extremely rare. These variations are usually from the first “half” of L series. This series was followed by the 4 lines dial with unique 225 bezel. Black again rarer than the white, but more common than the previous versions, I would call them very rare as opposed to extremely rare.

I have seen a mixture 225 bezel and floating cosmography. I am not sure what to make of this. Could they be possible, yes, but I am not personally convinced. I would want it from the original owner with box/papers.

Possibly the rarest variation of the 16520? Black 200 bezel with 4 lines dial

"Panna" dial 16520?

Best

Imran