キーワード
ROLEX
Daytona. Wristwatch.
Origin: Switzerland.
Date: 2002.
Clockwork: Cal. 4130, automatic chronograph.
Case/Wristband: Steel, steel bezel, steel oyster strap band matted/polished, Ref. 7890, hands cream-dial, formerly white index.
Total Weight: ca. 137.0 g.
Measurement: Length 21.5 cm, 41.0 mm incl. crown.
Case-No: P297048.
Reference-No: 116520.
Description: Automatic chronograph, second indication at ""6"", 12-hour and minute counters, stainless steel bezel, screw-down crown and pushers.
Revision Wempe January 2018, replacement of the hands and steel bezel.
Box, warranty card from May 2002 enclosed. Service card Rolex December 2017.
1 additional strap element enclosed.
Designed specifically for racing drivers, the Rolex Daytona Chronograph is one of the most famous timepieces and a sought-after collector's item. Today, the steel Daytona is an object of desire for many, partly because Hollywood star Paul Newman wore an early variant of the model.
Not only does the timeless design attract many collectors and enthusiasts, but the watch is also a relevant piece of motorsport history. Speed races were held on the beach at Daytona, Florida, as early as 1903. From 1959, the races were held at the Daytona International Speedway. It was here that Rolex began its involvement as official timekeeper in 1962, and the Chromograph reference 6239 appeared just one year later. Rolex gave it the nickname ""Daytona"" in the same year to emphasize its connection to the races.
By 1988, the mechanical watch was already a relic of the old days; quartz technology was the preferred choice for timepieces. Rolex decided at this stage to upgrade the Daytona to an automatic watch. The movement, however, was not made in-house, but by Zenith. The El Primero movement, which had been built almost unchanged since 1969, was heavily revised by Rolex and henceforth called calibre 4030. This was also reflected on the dial. The words ""Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona"" became ""Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified"".
In the world of art, it is often the case that certain coincidences in the making of a piece make it even more valuable. This is also the case with the watch offered here.
Between the years 2000 and 2002, Rolex launched the Daytona 116520, which was equipped with the first entirely in-house calibre 4130. After a few years, it was noticed that the dial changed colour: the bright white dials became off-white, cream or even pink. Since this only occurs in the first two years of production, it can be assumed that either Rolex itself or the supplier has rectified this rather fortunate mishap.
Considering the attractiveness and collector's value of colour-change dials, the Cream Dial 116520 is one of the most sought-after variations of modern Rolex production.
The chronograph offered here comes complete with its original Rolex box and papers.
:
Movement: good condition, revision 2017.
Dial: good condition, slightly oxidised, hands discoloured.
Case: very good condition, slightly scratched, slight traces of wear, refurbished. bezel replaced, strap original, polishing marks.
Art trade, Van Ham.