The present example is a beautiful 2001 Rolex Daytona,reference 116520 K series with a cream dial that was originally white.
The cream dial on this present example is utterly desirable for collectors and Rolex lovers who are deeply passionate on "tropical dials".
The patina on Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 116520 occurred on the originally white dial only occurs in serials P, K and Y produced from 2000 until 2002. This feature further refines the importance and rarity of examples that fit the specification.
When Rolex launches the 4130 caliber in 2000 after more than 10 years of research, it is to replace the movement manufactured by Zenith.
The "El primero 400" was renamed 4030 after being totally modified to the requirements of Rolex and having deleted the date to make it finer. It was mounted on models 16520 from 1988 to 2000.
This new caliber ROLEX 4130, which is still inside today's Daytona, is known to be practically perfect.
With 72 hours of power reserve and 66 hours with the chronograph engaged, it is extremely reliable and easy to maintain.
The counters are now reversed compared to model 16520, the second hand is now at 6 hours.
The name DAYTONA comes from the famous endurance race held since 1966 on the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is called the ROLEX 24.
The watch is certified COSC : The official offices of the COSC (Swiss Official Control of Chronometers) were founded in 1973 in La Chaux-de-Fonds. It is an independent organization that guarantees the Swiss watch manufacturing tradition of precision.
Emblematic model of Rolex, the 116520 is made of 904L steel, with a diameter of 40 mm and a thickness of 12.4 mm.
The bezel type 1 is in polished steel and graduated horizontally from 60 to 400 units per hour.
The sapphire crystal is flat and protrudes from the bezel.
The Oysterlock 78590 steel bracelet features a quick setting to instantly extend the 3mm bracelet and alternate polished and satin surfaces.
With approximately 140 grams on the wrist, this watch is very comfortable to wear.
No wonder the waiting list has always been several years to acquire this model new at retailers.
The 116520 is one of the best watches ever produced. The shutdown of its production in 2016 with the launch of the 116500LN makes it a very good investment today.
