{"product_id":"rolex-daytona-16520-unpolished-zenith-movement-white-dial-40mm","title":"Rolex Daytona 16520 Unpolished · Zenith Movement · White Dial · 40mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRolex Daytona 16520 Unpolished · Zenith Movement · White Dial · 40mm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e1997 · Full Bracelet, No Stretch · Box and Booklets · Tritium · Vintage\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Highlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrue unpolished example — extremely rare for this reference\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eU-serial with “T SWISS MADE T” tritium dial — correct for the 1997 transition period, one of the last pieces Rolex produced in tritium before moving to LumiNova\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZenith-based Caliber 4030 — the last non-in-house movement Rolex ever used\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhite dial, black subdials, red “Daytona” text\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull, tight bracelet with no stretch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntact green caseback sticker — evidence of the minimal wear this watch has seen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo warranty papers, but comes with correct box, booklets, and hang tags\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 16520 was the first Daytona built around an automatic caliber, and among collectors is known simply as the “Zenith Daytona.” The movement inside — Rolex’s Caliber 4030 — is a heavily modified version of the Zenith El Primero, reworked with a lower beat rate to improve durability and reliability, and reduced parts count for improved serviceability. The 16520 represents a rare, transitional period of Rolex history before they went entirely in-house.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis particular example is genuinely unpolished — a distinction that has become increasingly rare on 16520s given how many examples were polished during service over the past three decades. Case edges remain sharp and lugs retain their original brushed pattern. The bracelet is full and tight with no stretch, another detail that speaks to careful ownership. The green caseback sticker — Rolex’s factory protective film applied at production — remains fully intact which is evidence of the minimal wear this watch has seen. See images for condition; overall it’s extremely great condition for its age and a polish (which we do NOT recommend) would make this watch look like new. The timepiece is running well and does not need a service.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a highly collectible example of the 16520. The U-serial prefix paired with the “T SWISS MADE T” dial places production right at the 1997 transition point — Rolex phased out radioactive tritium lume mid-way through the U-serial run, moving to “SWISS” only dials with LumiNova shortly after. This example carries the earlier, highly desirable configuration: an original factory tritium dial and hands. Over time tritium lume develops a warm, creamy patina that LumiNova does not replicate — one of the details collectors specifically hunt for on this reference.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe white dial with black contrasting subdials and red “Daytona” text is a configuration collectors specifically seek out, distinct from the black-dial variants that dominate the reference.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat’s Included\u003c\/strong\u003e (everything is period-correct; see images)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoth hang tags\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll booklets and manuals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNote: the only omission from a full set is the original warranty papers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails \/ Specs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 16520\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40mm, Oystersteel, unpolished\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBezel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Engraved tachymeter, Oystersteel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e White, black contrasting subdials, red “Daytona” text\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Caliber 4030, Zenith El Primero-based, automatic chronograph\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sapphire\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBracelet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oyster, three-piece link, full and tight with no stretch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCaseback:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original factory sticker fully intact\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Year:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1997\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58729539469472,"sku":"16520","price":24750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/3107\/4720\/files\/C6D53FF9-5673-4065-9B17-D8940FA37641.jpg?v=1786854081","url":"https:\/\/vol-timepieces.com\/products\/rolex-daytona-16520-unpolished-zenith-movement-white-dial-40mm","provider":"Vol Timepieces","version":"1.0","type":"link"}