Rolex Daytona Steel 116520 - 2011

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116520 (Steel, 2011)

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with reference 116520 from 2011 is an outstanding collector’s piece from the late phase of the legendary “All-Steel” era. As the successor to the “Zenith-Daytona”, Ref. 116520 ushered in the era of Rolex’s first fully in-house-developed Automatic chronograph calibre (Cal. 4130). With its distinctive, high-gloss polished stainless-steel bezel, it embodies the pure, classic motorsport look before the switch to Ceramic. The 2011 model year benefits from all the later evolutionary refinements of this reference, combining iconic design with maximum technical maturity and excellent value retention.

• High-gloss polished stainless-steel bezel with tachymeter scale: The defining visual feature of reference 116520 is its fixed bezel made of solid Oystersteel. The deeply engraved tachymeter scale enables precise readings of average speeds of up to 400 units per hour—a direct legacy of professional motor racing.

• Symmetrical dial with White Gold accents: Whether in radiant snow white or deep glossy black, the dial impresses with its perfect symmetry. The three sub-dials (Small Seconds at 6 o’clock, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock) are framed by elegantly shimmering silver rings. The indices and hands are made of 18-carat White Gold to permanently prevent tarnishing.

• Masterful in-house manufacture calibre 4130: The column-wheel chronograph movement Cal. 4130 operates inside the watch. It was designed with comparatively few components to maximise reliability and ease of servicing. Equipped with a vertical clutch and an antimagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, the movement offers an outstanding power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

• Rehaut engraving with serial number (late phase): As a 2011 model, this example features the sought-after rehaut engraving (inner bezel engraving with a continuous Rolex inscription and the individual serial number at 6 o’clock), as well as the refined hand and dial execution of the later production years.

• Scratch-resistant Sapphire Crystal & screw-down pushers: The dial is protected by extremely durable Sapphire Crystal. The screw-down chronograph pushers and Triplock winding crown ensure maximum water resistance and prevent accidental activation of the stop function underwater.

• Confident everyday performance (100m / 10 ATM): Thanks to its hermetically sealed screw-down case back and triple-secured gasket system, the Daytona effortlessly withstands water pressure of up to 10 bar.

• Solid Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock clasp: The luxury chronograph is worn on a three-row Oystersteel bracelet with high-gloss polished centre links and satin-finished outer links. The Oysterlock safety folding clasp protects against accidental opening and is equipped with the practical Easylink system for quickly extending the bracelet by 5 mm.

• A mature collector’s dream (2011 model year): As a late version of the iconic steel reference 116520, this 2011 model combines all modern manufacturing standards with the purist aesthetic of the Metal bezel. A globally sought-after, exceptionally value-retentive classic of modern watchmaking history.