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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Rolex Daytona Cosmograph, ref. 116520

Partially verified

This steel Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference 116520, dates to 2003 and features a 40 mm stainless steel case fitted with an Oyster bracelet and folding clasp. It is equipped with an automatic movement and features a black dial with three sub-dials: a 30-minute counter positioned at 3 o'clock, a 12-hour counter at 9 o'clock, and running seconds at 6 o'clock. Surrounding the dial is an engraved steel tachymeter bezel calibrated for units per hour. The case integrates screw-down pushers and a protected winding crown. The watch comes accompanied by its presentation box, papers, and original purchase receipt.

Rolex Daytona Cosmograph ref. 116520, 2003
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph ref. 116520, 2003 — Setdart Auction House / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
116520
Catalogue / lot identifier
89
Source-reported date
2003
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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

Object Identity and Specification

This timepiece is identified as a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference 116520, which the source dates to 2003. The watch is presented in a 40 mm stainless steel case, which features a graduated tachymeter bezel calibrated for the calculation of speeds in units per hour.

The external configuration includes screw-down chronograph pushers and a protected winding crown. It is accompanied by a stainless steel Oyster bracelet with a folding clasp.

Evidence for this section
  • “ROLEX Daytona Cosmograph watch, ref. 116520, year 2003”
  • “Measurements: 40 mm (case diameter)”
  • “Graduated bezel with instantaneous reading of hour speeds, units/hours”
  • “Case with winding crown protection and screw-down side pushers”
  • “Steel Oyster bracelet with folding clasp”

Dial and Mechanism Overview

The black dial features three sub-dials situated at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions, representing a 30-minute counter, running seconds, and a 12-hour counter, respectively. The watch utilizes an automatic movement.

The source description mentions the inclusion of a 'Chromalight display' with luminescent numerals. The internal caliber remains unverified due to the closed case back.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circular dial in black color with luminescent numerals with high legibility Chromalight display”
  • “30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, 12-hour counter at 9 o'clock”
  • “Automatic movement”

Documentation and Condition

The lot is reported to include its original presentation box and accompanying papers. Documentation provided by the source includes an original purchase receipt from A. M. Berg, located in Odense, dated December 12, 2003.

The condition of the watch is described by the source as 'perfect' and 'just checked'.

Evidence for this section
  • “With its box and papers.”
  • “With original purchase receipt from A. M. Berg, Odense dated December 12, 2003.”
  • “In perfect condition and just checked.”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number (unprovided) confirm the 2003 production date?
  • Does the application of Chromalight luminescent material on this 2003 reference indicate a component replacement during a service history?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Daytona Cosmograph, ref. 116520
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference116520“ref. 116520”
Year2003“year 2003”
Case diameter40 mm“40 mm (case diameter)”
Case materialSteel“In steel.”
Movement typeAutomatic“Automatic movement.”
BraceletSteel Oyster bracelet with folding clasp“Steel Oyster bracelet with folding clasp.”
Original Retail PointA. M. Berg, Odense“original purchase receipt from A. M. Berg, Odense”
Purchase DateDecember 12, 2003“dated December 12, 2003”

Visible details

  • Black dial with applied luminescent hour markers and three silver-ringed sub-dials
  • Engraved steel tachymeter bezel showing units per hour
  • Screw-down chronograph pushers and crown with protective guards
  • Three-link stainless steel Oyster bracelet with solid end links

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber and internal condition cannot be verified as the case back is closed
  • Source text mentions Chromalight display, which post-dates 2003, reflecting potential cataloguer descriptive error

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: ROLEX Daytona Cosmograph watch, ref. 116520, year 2003, for men/Unisex. Steel.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record c160201e1e

Terms in this record

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

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