Rolex Daytona 116520

The Rolex chronograph that drives ahead of the rest

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116520 manages to combine so many desirable features into one timepiece, it’s no wonder that in its early production days, some customers would patiently wait over two years to finally own one. First off, it’s a Rolex sports watch. Second, it’s a chronograph. Third, it’s crafted from stainless steel. And those three elements come together for a watch that is hard to beat.

Rolex Daytona 116520

Whether or not the Daytona is ever used to time an event is irrelevant – the look and feel of the chronograph is where the attraction lies, not the practical functionality of it. The chrono pushers surrounding the crown, coupled with the subdials and tachymetric scale give this particular Rolex its masculine, dynamic and technical aesthetic that is just so appealing.

Rolex Daytona 116520

Of course, this is not to diminish the actual technical proficiency of the chronograph function of the Daytona. If it were to be used as a timing instrument, then one will certainly appreciate its precision and ease of use. After all, the Rolex Daytona collection is inspired by the world of auto racing, where timing is of the essence. To use the timer, first the chrono pushers must be unscrewed, as they are screwed-down when not in use to maintain the Oyster case’s famous waterproofness. Obsessed with details, Rolex ensured that their watchmakers not only perfected the “click” when the pushers were pressed, but also that it would react to the “ideal finger pressure”.

Rolex Daytona 116520

Driving the ref. 116520 is the proprietary Rolex Caliber 4130, replacing the previous Caliber 4030, which was actually based on a modified Zenith Caliber 400 El Primero. Built with a lot less pieces than an average chrono movement, the Caliber 4130 boasts enhanced reliability, while the Parachrom hairspring, means better resistance to knocks and temperature swings.

Rolex 116520 Watch

The Daytona 116520 is available with either a black or white dial, and as can been seen in these pictures, the white dial version is a beautiful version. The different shades of white, gray and silver tones on the dial lend the Daytona a sleek monochromatic look that is both very attractive and legible. The dial is protected by sapphire crystal and encased in the 40mm 904L stainless steel Oyster case topped with a fixed stainless steel bezel with an engraved tachymetric scale. A big draw of the 116520 is the Oyster bracelet that, unlike previous versions, has solid center links rather than hollow ones imparting a more robust and opulent feel to the bracelet. In the same vein, the enhanced folding Oysterlock safety clasp in polished stainless steel is a much-needed improvement over the clasps of older Daytona models.

Rolex Daytona 116520

Combining the fundamental design codes that made the Daytona so popular with modern improvements and cutting-edge innovations has produced a contemporary luxury chronograph that proudly stands at the top of the podium.