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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 16520

Partially verified

This Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference 16520, is a stainless steel self-winding chronograph dating to 1995. It is equipped with the calibre 4030 movement, a modified Zenith El-Primero mechanism. The watch features a black Mk5 dial with tritium lume and a 'straight' 6 numeral on the lower sub-dial. The sub-dials exhibit a beige patina, a characteristic sometimes referred to as 'Patrizzi' dials. The 40mm steel case is paired with an Oyster bracelet, reference 78390, featuring 503b endlinks and a clasp stamped 'V 4'. Accompaniments include the inner and outer boxes, card holder, booklet, calendar, and original punched papers indicating a 1996 sale at Wempe in Germany. The watch has been serviced and regulated by the watchmaker, and the set includes two spare links and a leather watch pouch.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16520, featuring a black dial with beige-toned sub-dials and stainless steel Oyster bracelet.
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16520, featuring a black dial with beige-toned sub-dials and stainless steel Oyster bracelet. — Bulang & Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bulangandsons.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
16520
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1995
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
W90xxxx

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a 40mm stainless steel case. The dial is a black Mk5 iteration featuring tritium luminescent material. A distinct feature of this dial is the '6' numeral in the lower sub-dial, which is oriented in an upright position. The sub-dials have developed a beige patina over time, which the listing notes is sometimes referred to by collectors as a 'Patrizzi' dial.

A tachymetric scale is engraved on the steel bezel. The accompanying Oyster bracelet, reference 78390, is fitted with 503b endlinks. The clasp is stamped 'V 4', and the watch includes two spare links. The overall aesthetic is accented by the red 'DAYTONA' text situated above the lower register.

Evidence for this section
  • “40mm steel case”
  • “Black Mk5 dial with ‘straight’ 6 with beige coloured subdials”
  • “The Mk5 dial is lovely and has tritium lume and the ‘6’ in the hours register, on the bottom sub dial, is the correct way up.”
  • “The original and correct solid link Oyster bracelet, ref 78390, is in great condition with a clasp stamped ‘V 4’ and 503b endlinks”

Movement

The timepiece is powered by the Rolex calibre 4030 movement. This is a self-winding chronograph movement based on the Zenith El-Primero architecture, modified by Rolex. The movement is visible through the removable steel case back, which is internally marked 'Montres Rolex S.A.', 'Geneva Switzerland', 'Stainless Steel', and '16500'.

The watchmaker at the dealership has performed a full check and regulation of the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre 4030 movement (modified Zenith El-Primero)”
  • “fully checked and regulated by our watchmaker.”
  • “One-year mechanical warranty”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch is documented by a comprehensive set of original items. This includes the inner and outer boxes, a card holder, a booklet, and a calendar. The set also contains the original punched papers, which identify the date of sale as 1996 from the retailer Wempe in Germany.

The sale includes a leather watch pouch alongside the aforementioned period accessories. The watch is presented as being from the 1995 production year, consistent with its W-series serial number prefix.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch comes with inner and outer boxes, card holder, booklet, calendar and punched papers stating a 1996 sale at Wempe Germany.”
  • “W90xxxx dating to 1995”

Open research questions

  • Confirm the production range of Mk5 dials in the 16520 production cycle.
  • Verify the significance of the V4 clasp code in relation to the 1995/1996 timeline.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 16520
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Vendor: Rolex”
ModelCosmograph Daytona“Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Black Dial Box and Papers Ref 16520”
Reference16520“Reference 16520”
Case Size40mm“40mm steel case”
MovementCalibre 4030 (modified Zenith El-Primero)“Calibre 4030 movement (modified Zenith El-Primero)”
Serial NumberW90xxxx“W90xxxx dating to 1995”
Bracelet Reference78390“Oyster bracelet reference 78390”
Endlinks503b“503b endlinks”

Visible details

  • Case and bezel are described as being in good condition.
  • Sub-dials feature beige discoloration.
  • Tritium luminescent material is present on the dial.
  • Movement is identified as a modified Zenith El-Primero.

Research qualifications

  • The source refers to sub-dial color change as 'Patrizzi' dials, an external term.
  • The exact serial number is partially redacted in the source.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی کرنوگراف Rolex Cosmograph Daytona رفرنس 16520 با صفحه مشکی

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record e469dcf4aa

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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