ROLEX | DAYTONA INVERTED 6 DIAL, REFERENCE 16520 STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET CIRCA 1988

Dial: later, blackCalibre: cal. 4030 automatic, 31 jewels Movement number: 33'165Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown, pushers and back Case number: L’688’789 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding clasp Dimensions: 40mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 200mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex Guarantee dated 28 February 1991, Rolex Oyster booklet, Rolex Cosmograph booklet, green booklet and presentation case

DIAL: in excellent condition, small mark to the centre of the 6 o'clock subdial. Hands appear original with some very minor scratches, similar patination of luminescent material as on the dial. The dial is later, most probably replaced when the watch was purchased. CASE: in overall excellent condition, minor scratches and marks throughout consistent with wear and age of the timepiece. One more noticeable scratch to the top right lug profile. Bracelet: ref. 78360 (N4), endlinks 503 MOVEMENT: running at time of cataloguing, chronograph starts, stops and resets to zero. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Between 1988 and 2000, Rolex produced the first automatic version of the Daytona, the reference 16520. The 40mm sports chronograph relied on the Zenith El Primero caliber, extensively modified by Rolex and named the cal. 4030. Over the course of its 12-year-old life, the reference 16520 was produced in 5 different series and available in stainless steel, yellow gold and in a two-tone combination of both. The present L series reference 16520 in stainless steel left the Rolex manufacture in 1988 and has had little wear since. It is fitted with a third series dial featuring an inverted 6 to the hour register, 5 text lines and a spread-out T Swiss T inscription. This dial was introduced on the same year this watch was originally sold. It is very likely that the black dial was fitted by request from the original purchaser. The case, retaining strong proportions and most attractive finish, is adorned by a correct third series bezel graduated to 400 units. The first series bracelet (produced until 1994) with fully brushed links is in very good condition.

This early automatic Daytona is accompanied by its original guarantee dated from 1991, user manuals and a presentation case. With its striking condition and original set of accessories, this wonderful early example of the increasingly sought-after reference 16520 is an exciting opportunity for a Daytona enthusiast.