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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116520

Partially verified

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, reference 116520, is a stainless steel, self-winding, tonneau-shaped gentleman's wristwatch dating to circa 2004. The watch features a water-resistant construction with a screwed case-back and is equipped with an Oyster bracelet with a deployant clasp. Its black dial is marked with radial indexes and includes subsidiary dials for constant seconds at 9 o'clock, a 30-minute recorder at 3 o'clock, and a 12-hour recorder at 9 o'clock. The stainless steel bezel features a tachometric scale graduated for up to 400 units per hour. The piece is signed on the dial, case, and movement. Measurements include a 40 mm diameter and an approximate length of 180 mm. The auction description assigns the watch an overall grade of AAA.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116520, showing the black dial, tachymetric bezel, and stainless steel case.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116520, showing the black dial, tachymetric bezel, and stainless steel case. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
116520
Catalogue / lot identifier
328-88
Source-reported date
circa 2004
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
F 248 871

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 Construction

The watch features a tonneau-shaped stainless steel case designed for water resistance, incorporating a screwed case-back. The fixed bezel is composed of stainless steel and is engraved with a tachometric scale, calibrated for reading speeds up to 400 units per hour. The black dial contains radial hour markers and is fitted with a central chronograph hand alongside three subsidiary dials. These registers facilitate the 12-hour and 30-minute recording functions, with the constant seconds sub-dial located at the 9 o'clock position.

The dial displays the Rolex branding and standard designations including "Oyster Perpetual", "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified", "Cosmograph", and "Daytona". The chronograph mechanism is controlled via two round, screwed-down push-pieces located on the side of the case flanking the winding crown. The watch is presented on a stainless steel Oyster bracelet featuring a deployant clasp mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “Stainless steel, self-winding, tonneau-shaped, gentleman’s wristwatch, water-resistant with screwed case-back”
  • “black colour dial with radial indexes”
  • “tachometric scale graduated on the stainless steel bezel for 400 units per hour”
  • “Rolex “Oyster” bracelet with deployant clasp”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is powered by the Rolex caliber 4130 self-winding movement. This movement is designed with a chronograph function capable of tracking intervals down to 1/10th of a second. The movement includes a half-instantaneous 30-minute recorder at the 3 o'clock position and a 12-hour recorder at the 9 o'clock position.

In addition to its chronograph utility, the movement is officially certified as a Superlative Chronometer. It is adjusted by the manufacturer for operation across five positions and varying temperatures to maintain timing precision.

Evidence for this section
  • “self-winding, chronograph, minute and hour recorders”
  • “Caliber 4130, adjusted to 5 positions and temperatures”
  • “1/10 second chronograph (activated by the two round screwed push-pieces)”
  • “Signature dial, case and movement”

Condition and Grading

The auction description provides a multi-part grading assessment for the watch. The overall grading is designated as Grade AAA. Component-specific evaluations categorize the case condition as 3 (Good) and the movement as 2 (which the source designates in the context of the grading system).

The dial is evaluated with a grade of 2-01 (Very good). The object also retains its original hands, as noted in the provided documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: AAA Excellent”
  • “Case: 3 Good”
  • “Movement: 2”
  • “Dial: 2-01 Very good”

Open research questions

  • What specific production year does the F-series serial number correspond to within the 2004 period?
  • What are the specific technical definitions for the grades 2 and 3 within the provided grading system?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116520
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Rolex, Geneva”
ModelOyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona““Oyster Perpetual” “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” “Cosmograph” “Daytona””
Reference116520“Ref. 116520”
Serial NumberF 248 871“Case No. F 248 871”
MovementCaliber 4130“Caliber 4130, adjusted to 5 positions and temperatures”
Case MaterialStainless steel“Material stainless steel”
Diameter40 mm“Diameter 40 mm.”

Visible details

  • Black dial with three subsidiary chronograph registers
  • Tachymetric scale engraved on the steel bezel
  • Oyster-style stainless steel bracelet with deployant clasp
  • Rolex crown logo positioned at the 12 o'clock marker

Research qualifications

  • Condition report grades provided as internal auction house standards
  • Exact provenance history prior to auction not detailed

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

Consulted source

Rolex - Ref. 116520, self-winding, chronograph, minute and hour recorders, black dial; “Cosmograph” “Daytona”; stainless steel

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record ed6325d79c

Terms in this record

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

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