Rolex Daytona 16520 White Dial 40mm

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16520 “Zenith Porcelain Dial” – Collector’s Grade

Model: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

Reference: 16520 (Zenith Era)

Condition: Vintage | Excellent – Collector’s Grade

Dial: Rare White “Porcelain” Dial

Bracelet: Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet with Oysterlock Clasp

Movement: Rolex Caliber 4030 (Zenith El Primero–based), Automatic Chronograph, 54-Hour Power Reserve

Set: Original Box & Papers

A True Grail for Daytona Collectors

The Rolex Daytona 16520 with the coveted Porcelain Dial represents one of the most important chapters in modern Rolex history. Produced only during early production years (1988–1989), this rare glossy white lacquer dial is distinguished by its floating “Cosmograph” text, a detail exclusive to these highly sought-after examples.

Manufactured in extremely limited numbers before Rolex transitioned to standard matte dials, the Porcelain Dial Daytona is considered a true transitional reference, making it one of the most collectible Zenith-era Daytonas ever produced. Its rarity, historical significance, and unmistakable aesthetic firmly place it in grail watch territory.

Performance & Functionality

Designed as a professional chronograph sports watch, the Daytona 16520 features a precise chronograph function operated via screw-down pushers. The central chronograph seconds hand, combined with minute and hour subdials, allows accurate elapsed-time measurement, while the tachymeter bezel enables average speed calculations.

This reference also marks Rolex’s first use of the legendary Zenith El Primero movement, extensively modified and refined by Rolex into the in-house Caliber 4030, ensuring superior reliability, precision, and durability.