The Watch
In 1963, the Rolex Cosmograph was introduced with the ref. 6239. The so-called "Cosmograph" was a chronograph with a tachymeter on the bezel and was originally marketed toward drivers.Rolex actually referred to this model as the "Le Mans" in early advertisements before it became the official timekeeper of the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, as a result, the Cosmograph would eventually be named the Daytona, and most known models have featured both names printed on the dial.
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Fast forward to 2000, Rolex launched the ref.116520, replacing the 1988 introduced 16520 and importantly presenting to the Daytona lineage Rolex's first fully in-house chronograph movement, the calibre 4130. The 116.520 was replaced in the brand's line up by the
ref.116500 which continues using calibre 4130, which shows just how well regarded the 4130 is by Rolex.
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This particular 116520 has, what collectors refer to as a "APH" Dial, due to a gap in the word "COSMOGR APH" and is now deemed very collectable, with a limited number produced over just a few years.
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The Watch is in very good pre-owned original condition. The Watch has been expertly polished by a Rolex authorised service centre Wakefields in Horsham.
It is accompanied by its complete original full set of Boxes, Paperwork, Books, Card, Swing tags, Original Receipt and Spare Links.
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Just a side note, the reflective nature of this all steel Timepiece, makes it incredibly difficult to photograph whilst controlling the lighting. For you to get a thorough idea of the finish on the case, which in my opinion is superbly done, please watch the video below.
View this Daytona in a video: here
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The Specs
Age: c.2011.
Reference: 1680.
Serial Number: 1Z4XXXX
Movement: Automatic with Hacking Seconds, 30 min 12 hour Chronograph. Paraflex Shock System.
Calibre: 4130.
Timekeeping: Keeping Excellent time.
Service History: New 2011.
Dial: All Original Rolex "APH" Factory Dial.
Case: All Stainless Steel
Case Size: 40mm
Bezel: Wonderful Original Tachymeter Bezel.
Water Resistant?: 100m.
Hands: Original Handset.
Crystal: Original Sapphire Crystal.
Crown: Original.
Strap/Bracelet: On its Original Oyster 78590 Steel Bracelet, currently sized to approx 7.1in Wrist with 2 Spare Links.
Hands: Original Handset.
Crystal: Original Sapphire Crystal.
Crown: Original.
Strap/Bracelet: On its Original Oyster 78590 Steel Bracelet, currently sized to approx 7.1in Wrist with 2 Spare Links.
Lug Width: 20mm
Box and Papers: Yes, Full Set.
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Full Set Box and Papers.
- Collectable "APH" Error Dial.
- All Original.
-Expertly Polished by a Rolex Authorised Service Centre.
-Great Investment Opportunity.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Whilst it has been polished, there are still some markings to the caseback and clasp.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Whilst it has been polished, there are still some markings to the caseback and clasp.
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Overall the Daytona is in very good pre-owned condition.
The Case has been expertly polished.
The crown is original and screws to the case nicely.
Crystal is in very good shape.
The bracelet is in very good order, with no stretch. It has been expertly polished. Fits up to approx 7.1in with two spare links.
The Dial is in fantastic condition.
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Photographed on a 7in Wrist.
Photographed on a 7in Wrist.