CIRCA: 1997
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
CASE DIAMETER: 40 mm.
BRACELET MATERIAL: Stainless steel
BRACELET SIZE: Approx. 190 mm. overall length
DIAL: White, without the Daytona inscription
MOVEMENT: Automatic
FUNCTIONS: Chronograph
BOX: Yes
PAPERS: Yes
WITH: Guarantee dated 1999, International Service Guarantee dated 2017, sales tag and presentation box
REMARK: 'No Daytona' dial

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Lot Essay

The present timepiece impresses with its extremely rare dial without the red 'Daytona' signature above the 12 hour register. The reason for this omission are unknown, the most probable explanation being the result of a printing mistake which eluded Rolex strict quality controls.

Offered in very good overall condition, the present timepiece represents a key opportunity for Rolex collectors to acquire an extremely rare an intriguing example of the reference.

Reference 16520
Legendary chronograph, the reference 16520 was the first chronograph of the Rolex manufacture encompassing an automatic movement derived from a Zenith ebauche. Built with a larger case than its predecessors and a sapphire-crystal glass, the timepiece encountered great success and throughout the years has become highly sought after by collectors.

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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.

Movement: The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing; however, a service is recommended. Christie’s does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
Dial: The original dial is in very good condition with minor surface scratches right to the centre of the second subsidiary dial and left to the centre of the hour subsidiary dial, all hardly visible through the naked eye. Minor mark on the outer ring of the hour subsidiary dial at number 6. Indexes with minor surface wear. Hands are service replacement and in like new condition.
Case: The case with minor surface wear in places, polished a while ago. Surface scratches below the lugs from removing the bracelet. Case back with slight surface scratches.
Bracelet: With minor surface wear, slightly stretched. Code 78390, end links 503B, clasp Z8 (August 1997)
Overall condition: Very good

The condition of lots sold in our auctions can vary widely due to factors such as age, previous damage, restoration, repair and wear and tear. Their nature means that they will rarely be in perfect condition. Lots are sold "as is," in the condition they are in at the time of the sale, without any representation or warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to condition by Christie's or by the seller.
Any reference to condition in a catalogue entry or in a condition report will not amount to a full description of condition, and images may not show a lot clearly. Colours and shades may look different in print or on screen to how they look on physical inspection. Condition reports may be available to help you evaluate the condition of a lot. Condition reports are provided free of charge as a convenience to our buyers and are for guidance only. They offer our opinion but they may not refer to all faults, inherent defects, restoration, alteration or adaptation because our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. For that reason they are not an alternative to examining a lot in person or taking your own professional advice. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have requested, received and considered any condition report.

Print Report