The Rolex Daytona, a name synonymous with motorsport, luxury, and horological excellence, underwent a significant transformation at the turn of the millennium. The introduction of the reference 116520 marked a pivotal moment in the Daytona's history, ushering in an era of in-house automatic chronograph movements, a departure from its previous reliance on the celebrated, yet externally sourced, Zenith El Primero. This shift not only impacted the watch's performance and functionality but also its place within the broader landscape of Rolex's horological achievements. This article will delve deep into the intricacies of the Rolex 116520 movement, exploring its significance, its specifications, and its impact on the watch's desirability and value in the secondary market. We'll also explore the various aspects of buying and selling these coveted timepieces, including discussions of Rolex Daytona 116520 retail price, Rolex 116520 retail price, Rolex 116520 price, Rolex Daytona 116520 price, Rolex 116520 for sale, Rolex Daytona 116520 for sale, Rolex 116520 review, and Rolex Daytona 116520 review.
Before the 116520, the Daytona's story was inextricably linked with Zenith. For over two decades, Rolex Daytona models employed the legendary Zenith El Primero movement, a high-beat automatic chronograph calibre known for its accuracy and precision. This partnership, while fruitful, ultimately led to a desire within Rolex to establish complete control over its chronograph production, a hallmark of the brand's commitment to vertical integration. The decision to develop an in-house movement represented a significant investment and a testament to Rolex's engineering prowess.
The 116520, released around 2000, marked the beginning of this new chapter. While it didn't immediately feature a completely new movement designed from the ground up, it did represent a significant step toward Rolex's ultimate goal of self-sufficiency in chronograph manufacture. The movement inside the 116520, the calibre 4130, was a significant advancement over its predecessors. It was a robust and reliable automatic chronograph movement, designed and manufactured entirely in-house by Rolex. This represented a departure from the previous reliance on external suppliers, solidifying Rolex's position as a fully integrated manufacturer.
The calibre 4130 boasts several key improvements over the Zenith El Primero. Firstly, it's significantly more efficient, boasting a longer power reserve. The El Primero, while impressive, had a relatively shorter power reserve compared to modern automatic chronographs. The 4130 addressed this limitation, providing a more convenient wearing experience. Secondly, the 4130 features a simpler and more robust construction. This translates to increased reliability and reduced maintenance needs, a crucial factor for a watch designed for daily wear. The fewer components also contribute to improved shock resistance. The movement also features a column-wheel mechanism, a hallmark of high-end chronographs known for its smooth and precise operation of the chronograph functions.
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