Circa: 1995
Movement: Automatic, Cal. 4030, 31 jewels
Dial: Black, "tropical" chapter rings
Case: Stainless steel, screw back, inside case back stamped 16500, 39mm diam.
Accompanied By: Rolex Oyster stainless steel bracelet with deployant clasp stamped 78390, V6, overall length approx. 7 inches, Rolex International Guarantee stamped by British retailer Lyons Jeweller and dated 1 August 1997

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Lot Essay

Launched at the Basel Fair in 1988, the reference 16520 was the first chronograph of the Rolex manufacture encompassing an automatic movement derived from a Zenith ébauche. Built with a larger case than its predecessors and a sapphire-crystal glass, the wristwatch encountered great success and throughout the years has become an icon amongst Rolex collectors.

Offered in very good overall condition, the present reference 16520 further impresses with its attractive Mark IV dial with slight tropical brown subsidiary registers of even colour.

The original white chapter rings have reacted to sunlight and other environmental factors and have turned into shades of brown. This phenomena is believed to occur exclusively on Daytona watches manufactured between 1993 and 1997, such as the present timepiece.

For another example of a reference 16520 Daytona with tropical registers see The Ultimate Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, pp. 556-559.

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Condition report

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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing and clean in appearance, the functions appear fully operational, however a service may be beneficial in the future. The original dial is in very good condition, with a very slight scratch below the centre of the minute subsidiary dial, hardly visible true the naked eye. The luminous accents reacting slightly to U.V light exposure but not glowing for a prolonged period of time. Hands are service replacement, with very slight surface wear. Reacting to U.V. light exposure with different color opposite to its dial. The case shows very slight surface wear in places. The original bezel with very slight surface wear. Surface scratches below the lugs from removing the bracelet. Bracelet with surface wear in places, lightly stretched. Generally very good overall condition.
1. All lots are sold "AS IS", and this condition report is provided purely as a goodwill service and may not specify all mechanical replacements or defects. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in good condition and without defects, repairs or restoration. You are accordingly encouraged to view the lots personally or through your own professional advisor.
2. For further information on these issues, please refer to the IMPORTANT NOTICES and CONDITIONS OF SALE in our catalogue.
We thank you for your interest in the forthcoming sale. We remind you again that all property is sold “as is” and should be viewed personally by you or by your professional advisor before the sale to assess its condition.
on these issues, please refer to the IMPORTANT NOTICES and CONDITIONS OF SALE in our catalogue.

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