Rolex Daytona White Dial ref. 116520 "APH" Dial Full Set

What’s there to say about the Daytona that hasn’t been said before? Growing from rather humble beginnings when it launched in 1963 to now being one of the watchmaker’s most coveted models, the Daytona is a genuine icon of the industry. With such a long and illustrious history, it surprises many that the Daytona introduced Rolex’s first in-house chronograph movement in the year 2000 with the model that we have here, the ref. 116520. 

Aside from its new movement, the ref. 116520’s construction also brought along some subtle changes that marked the Daytona’s ascent into modernity when compared to the previous five-digit “Zenith” reference. These changes included a new milled steel Oyster-lock clasp, a solid bracelet, a case with more extensive polishing, especially across the lug hoods, and silver subdial registers. Featuring the same engraved tachymeter steel bezel, screw-down pushers, and three-register dial, the ref. 116520 is a Daytona through and through, and with its 40mm case measuring 47mm from lug-to-lug and only 12.2mm tall, the ref. 116520 is certainly a comfortable and compact choice for any discerning collector.

Discontinued in 2016, the ref. 116520 saw significant variation over its 16-year lifespan, with two clasp designs, two luminescent paints (Super-LumiNova and Chromalight), and a subtle printing error that has since become a collector favourite: the so-called “APH” dial. Referring to the unusual spacing within the word COSMOGRAPH, where the final three letters appear to be slightly separated from the preceding text, this error first appeared in white dial models from 2009 and continued to sporadically appear over the years until the reference was discontinued.

It’s no secret that Rolex collecting has always rewarded attention to detail. From exclamation mark dials to meters first dials and hundreds of other varieties, the APH Daytona is a perfect illustration of that philosophy within a modern context, which is becoming increasingly rare as Rolex continuously industrialise their processes and remove such errors and variance. Beyond its almost imperceptible typographical curiosity, the ref. 116520 remains an important Daytona for introducing the cal. 4130 and establishing the mechanical foundation upon which the modern collection is built.

Serviced by Rolex in 2021 as per its included service card, this example is offered in excellent condition and runs as it should. Free from any large or obvious signs of damage such as deep scratches or dents, this example’s only sign of wear are its sporadic light swirling scratches that one would expect on a carefully worn watch of almost 10 years of age. Presented as a full set with its box, papers, booklets, service card, and full Oyster bracelet, this example is a collector-grade APH dial ref. 116520.

Brand: Rolex
Model: Daytona Cosmograph
Reference: 116520
Set: Watch, box, papers, 2021 Rolex Service Papers
Year: 2015
Dial: White
Material: Stainless steel
Movement: Automatic cal. 4130
Case Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 12.2mm
Lug-to-lug: 47mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet