ROLEX 16528 WITH BLACK DIAL, DIAMOND MARKERS AND FOUR INSCRIPTIONS

123

We recall some news from the previous article to remind you how much work goes into the making of this watch.

The parent company chose as the caliber (mechanism) to be used the "Zenith 400 El Primero," with 36000 vibrations and a frequency of 5 HZ, using a special dry lubricant based on Molybdenum Bisulfide applied by a vaporization process, which required special equipment and maintenance every two years or so. The Zenith El Primero base caliber was then profoundly elaborated, so much so that 200 modifications were needed so that it could be equaled to the brand's quality standards.

The first, necessary, work was done to reduce the number of alternations (from 36000 to 28000) and decrease the frequency from 5 to 4 HZ. They mounted a larger balance wheel on the movement that oscillated at a lower frequency, common to all calibres Rolex of the time, so as to simplify and improve the reliability of that movement.
The balance wheel Rolex has four glucydur spokes with spiral Breguet and micro-star adjustment system. The lubricants used for the 4030 were the traditional fluid ones, such changes allow Rolex to recommend an overhaul every 4 years, almost twice as long as the original caliber.

The 4030 movements mounted on the Daytona first series serial R ref.16520/3/8 have numbering between 10000 and 20000 (random numbering that also takes into account the next serial L). The earliest bezels (for taking speed measurements) were at 200.
One of the designers of this watch, often traveling to Paris on a high-speed train, spent time amusing himself by measuring speed with his Daytona 16520 (one of the prototypes which, as such, had no serial and mounted test dials). The train was traveling at much more than 200km/h, so he realized that for the modern world a meter with a scale at 200 was insufficient and proposed to redesign the scale with a higher limit (400 uph. The first one was made with intermediate at 225).

Characteristic of this watch, is its black dial with diamond markers and four inscriptions, which is thought to have been produced in about 5 units, and thus has great collector value.

This is back to basics, the first watches produced underwent several changes until they reached the final version, which would then see only minor differences over time.

We at the Bonanno Jewelry we make a reflection that we hope will augur well and give you the opportunity to make the best choice.Today, a porcelain dial for this type of watch produced in about 200 pieces has a very important value.Why, then, should a dial produced in about 5 pieces not see its merit recognized?
Perhaps we can say that for the type of this dial 4 shiny black lettering, we are all still trying to understand the true value of the object. This marvelous watch to date is sold at figures that are always important, but perhaps not deserving.As described earlier, the world of collecting these objects, still newborn compared to works of art, goes beyond the use of the asset and is probably one of the best ways to invest.Thanks to this world that first gives us the opportunity to be together and share this wonderful passion, bringing back to posterity the history we learn and are its custodians.

We appraise and buy your watch

The most exclusive catalog of vintage watches

Visit Now

The Rome boutique

Via della Croce, 13