Released in 2000 as a brand new generation of Daytona, the ref. 116520 featured much of the same unchanged design that the previous “Zenith” Daytona had, except for several relatively minor details. To begin with, the dial layout had changed slightly, so the running seconds subdial went from 9 o'clock to 6' clock, and the subdials were no longer in line with the center of the dial. Instead, they moved up slightly above the middle of the dial (running from 9 to 3 o'clock). Additionally, Rolex gave the new Daytona broader indices to accommodate more lume, longer lugs, and a mirror finish on the case flanks to differentiate the latest generation even further. But, without doubt, the latest generation’s most significant upgrade was Rolex’s new (at the time) in-house automatic cal. 4130 chronograph movement. Designed to be ruthlessly efficient, it has just 201 parts - a 20% decrease on the previous movement, the cal. 4030, making for an even more reliable movement requiring even less servicing. Additionally, with more space free to accommodate a larger mainspring, Rolex increased the cal. 4030's power reserve from 50 to 72 hours in the cal. 4130. All in all, even for a 20+ year old movement, the cal. 4130 is an incredible movement even by today’s standards and fitting for the Daytona’s legendary legacy.

Watch is near-mint condition. Nice even ivory toned dial. Case, bezel, and bracelet have light hairlines. Majority of caseback hologram sticker still present. Bracelet has 11 links, 3 of which are removable.

While a soft and even shade of creamy ivory now, this example will likely develop an increasingly rich cream dial that will serve to highlight its incredible rarity and special place within the heart of Rolex collectors around the world.