Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116520 White Dial
Chronograph / Sports Watch / Racing Chronograph · Rolex SA (Luxury Horology / Independent High-End Swiss Manufacturer)
Period: Modern Luxury / Neo-Vintage (2000s-2010s)
Type
Chronograph / Sports Watch / Racing Chronograph
Brand
Rolex SA (Luxury Horology / Independent High-End Swiss Manufacturer)
Movement
Automatic, In-House Rolex Caliber 4130, 28,800 vph (4Hz), 72-hour power reserve, 44 jewels, Parachrom hairspring
Dimensions
40 mm case diameter, 12.2 mm thickness, 47.5 mm lug-to-lug, 20 mm lug width
Description
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116520 represents a historic milestone for Rolex, being the first reference to house their fully in-house automatic chronograph movement, Caliber 4130. Featuring a sleek 40mm stainless steel Oyster case, an engraved steel tachymeter bezel, and a striking white dial with silver-bordered sub-dials and iconic red 'DAYTONA' script, this model balances classic motorsports heritage with modern engineering perfection.
Key Features
In-house Caliber 4130 with vertical clutch mechanism for precise chronograph engagement, steel engraved bezel, sub-dial layout with running seconds at 6 o'clock (distinguishing it from the Zenith-powered 16520), and 904L Oystersteel construction
Dial Description
Glossy white dial featuring applied 18k white gold hour markers with luminous filling, silver ring sub-dials (running seconds at 6 o'clock, 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, 12-hour counter at 9 o'clock), white gold baton hands with lume, central sweep chronograph seconds hand, and red printed 'DAYTONA' text above the 6 o'clock sub-dial
Case Material
Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel) with polished case sides and brushed lug surfaces
Crystal Type
Flat synthetic sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the underside
Bezel Details
Fixed stainless steel bezel with engraved engraved tachymeter scale (graduated up to 400 units per hour), showing minor surface wear
Crown & Pushers
Triplock screw-down winding crown flanked by protective crown guards, with two screw-down chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock
Bracelet or Strap
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet (Ref. 78590) with solid end links, three-piece flat links (brushed outer, polished center), fitted with an Oysterlock folding safety clasp featuring the 5mm Easylink extension
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down Oyster caseback in brushed stainless steel without external engravings, preserving water resistance
Movement Type
Automatic, In-House Rolex Caliber 4130, 28,800 vph (4Hz), 72-hour power reserve, 44 jewels, Parachrom hairspring
Water Resistance
100 meters / 330 feet (10 ATM), safe for swimming, snorkeling, and light water sports when crowns are tightly screwed down
Origin & Provenance
Geneva, Switzerland (Swiss Made, 100% in-house manufacture)
Age Estimate
Circa 2000-2016 (Ref. 116520 was produced from 2000 until replaced by the ceramic bezel 116500LN in 2016)
Cultural Significance
Intimately linked with motorsport history and named after the famous Florida race track, the Daytona became an icon of horological royalty, popularised globally by figures like Paul Newman and remaining a quintessential symbol of success.
Condition Notes
Good worn condition overall. Visible hairline scratches and minor scuffs on the polished stainless steel bezel and case edges from daily wear. Dial and hands appear pristine and original.
Value Estimate
Secondary market estimated value ranges between $18,000 to $23,000 USD, depending on complete box/paperwork availability and service history.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 10 years by Rolex authorized service centers. Ensure chronograph pushers and crown are fully screwed down prior to exposure to water. Pressure test gaskets annually if used in liquid environments.
Similar Watches
Rolex Daytona 116500LN (Ceramic Bezel), Rolex Daytona 16520 ('Zenith' movement), Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Sport, Omega Speedmaster Racing Co-Axial Master Chronometer
Interesting Facts
The release of Caliber 4130 in 2000 ended Rolex's reliance on modified Zenith El Primero movements, reducing component count by 60% compared to a standard chronograph and increasing power reserve to 72 hours. Steel Daytona references are historically among the most sought-after watches in production.