Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116520 P Serial automatic 40 mm circa 2000

Where it all begins

Highlight of the first speed records, Daytona Beach in Florida owes its fame to one man: Sir Malcolm Campbell. An automobile driver of English origin, the latter devoted a large part of his life to motor sports and became famous for his numerous records, particularly at the wheel of his car nicknamed "Bluebird", with which he set a new record at over 396 km/h. It is in this context of pushing back the frontiers of the possible that Sir Malcolm Campbell will be noticed by Hans Wilsdorf, founder of Rolex, and that he will become ambassador of the brand. In 1962 the brand would become the official sponsor of the Daytona race...

The reference 116520

2023 marks 60 years of the Daytona model! Launched in 1963, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is an icon like no other. This "tool watch" is the grail of motorsport and watchmaking enthusiasts. Faithful to what made the success of the House of Rolex, its design has evolved by small touches over the years but it remains recognizable among all. But it was truly on March 23, 2000 at Baselword that the Daytona models entered a new era!

In fact, the reference 116520 is above all the launch of the caliber 4130, a caliber entirely developed and manufactured by the brand. This reference will remain 16 years in the catalog. It is distinguished from the other Dayto "Zenith" by its dial. Indeed, the seconds counter present at 9 o'clock on the 16520 is placed at 6 o'clock on the 116520. As for its indexes, they are larger and its counters are silvered.

This piece is a true collector's item! Indeed, it is a P series, making it one of the very first 116520 produced by Rolex. They are easily noticeable, as the dial markers are Luminova, and the hands are thinner than the other series. In addition, there is a snap-on Oyster bracelet reference 78490, and precisely, its bracelet is in excellent condition and has no streaks!"

A manufacture chronograph caliber

This Daytona is equipped with the caliber 4130, a mechanical column-wheel chronograph movement with vertical clutch and automatic winding entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. This movement was designed with fewer components than a standard chronograph movement in order to improve its reliability and ease of maintenance.

Like all Rolex Perpetual movements, the 4130 is COSC-certified. The oscillator, the true heart of the watch, includes a patented blue Parachrom balance spring produced by Rolex in an exclusive alloy. Perfectly insensitive to magnetic fields, this balance spring is highly stable in the face of temperature variations and remains up to ten times more accurate than a traditional balance spring in the event of a shock. In addition, its architecture has fewer components than a standard chronograph, improving its reliability.

The Package

This Cosmograph Daytona from the 2000s and in perfect condition and has hardly ever been worn. It comes to you in a wooden Rolex case. This model has been authenticated by our Rolex approved watchmaker and as such benefits from the Lepage Vintage 1 year warranty. Benefit from a free engraving (case back) on simple request.