Daytona Cosmograph

The ref. 16520 uses a Zenith movement (Caliber 400, El Primero), modified by Rolex. It lasted from 1988 to 2000, before Rolex began to build its own movement for the Daytona model. The Zenith-based caliber 4030, the new generation featured a larger case and was fitted with a sapphire crystal. The new caliber was based on Zenith’s iconic El Primero caliber, which was first introduced in 1969, amid the race between several manufacturer’s to design the first ever automatic chronograph movement.

The leading brand in Swiss luxury watches, Rolex enjoys an unrivalled reputation for excellence, performance and prestige. Pioneer of the wristwatch since 1905, the brand is at the origin of landmark innovations in watchmaking, including the first waterproof wristwatch - the Oyster - and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism. Its watches have accompanied explorers and achievers around the world, from the top of the highest mountains to the deepest reaches of the ocean. Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, sports, exploration, the spirit of enterprise through a broad palette of sponsoring activities and philanthropic programmes. An independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house all the essential components of its watches.