First introduced in 1963 the Rolex Daytona has remained a sought-after stable within the Rolex product range. Designed with professional racecar drivers in mind, the Daytona’s precision chronograph and tachymeter bezel allowed drivers to accurately measure speeds up to 400 kilometers or miles per hour. The release of the Daytona came just after Rolex had become the official timekeeper of the Daytona racetrack and the name evolved as a way for the brand to highlight its connection to the celebrated race.

Early Daytona models featured a manual-wind Valjoux 72-based column-wheel chronograph movement. This was in use until 1988 when Rolex released the ref. 16520 with an automatic “self-winding” movement. Rolex outsourced this moment, utilizing the Zenith 400 movement, originally manufactured for the “Zenith El-Primero.” For use in the ref. 16520, Rolex required approximately 200 modifications to the Zenith movement, which remained in use for twelve years. As a result, Daytonas from this period are commonly referred to as “Zenith Daytonas.” In this reference, Rolex also incorporated more durable sapphire crystals, helping to increase the depth rating to a guaranteed 100m or 330ft.

CASE & BRACELET

The case remains in truly exceptional condition, showing extremely crisp and sharp finishing with no real signs of use present. The original "Units Per Hour" stainless steel bezel is also impressively clean, showing minimal signs of previous polishing, no notable signs of use, and retains all of the factory black enamel. The case back retains factory finishing in extremely crisp condition as well. The original Rolex 78390 Oyster bracelet with 503B end pieces retains 12 links that show no stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/2-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The original glossy black Mk. IV dial is in flawless condition with no damage present whatsoever. The sub-dial rings feature a subtle creamy color tone that accents and enhances the watch nicely, though they haven't aged enough to be labeled "Patrizzi". The tritium lume plots feature a handsome bright ivory color and exhibit no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly with no degradation present when inspected under U.V. light.

ACCESSORIES 

The watch comes with a Rolex Service Center card from 2019 with an accompanying Rolex Service Center document. The watch is keeping time perfectly, backed by our 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.