Rolex Daytona 116520: Five-Year Owner Review

Art Collector · 2025-06-14T02:50:55Z

Explore a five-year ownership review of the Rolex Daytona 116520, detailing its design, Calibre 4130 movement, and enduring appeal. Discover why this reference remains a collector favorite.

Art Collector

WPS member · Rolex forum

10 replies5645 views28 photos

Art Collector's five-year retrospective on his Rolex Daytona 116520 offers a deeply personal look at what makes this reference a lasting favorite among collectors. His detailed review goes beyond specifications, exploring the enduring appeal of its design, finish, and comfort. This article provides valuable insights for anyone considering the 116520 or seeking a long-term ownership perspective on a modern classic.

10 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Having owned my Rolex Daytona 116520 for five years, I thought I would write a longer-term review about what drew me to the watch, my experience wearing it, and how my love for it has grown over the years.

Design: To me, the 116520 Daytona is the Rolex model that most embodies harmonious, beautiful, lines. The shiny silver sub-dials take my breath away every time, as do the white gold hands and markers--very unique, alluring designs. I love how the top two sub-dials sit slightly above the 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock axis. I love the polished bezel and case, and the alternating brushed-polished-brushed Rolex Oyster bracelet and clasp. The shape and style of the watch command a presence that is refined and sporty. Mine has the white dial and it goes with and complements everything I wear.

Finish: The fit and finish are exquisite and very refined—which struck me the first time I handled the watch in my hands, and it still does. I can feel the high level of precision in this fine instrument.

Features: The 116520 has the storied, robust Rolex calibre 4130 chronograph movement, highly accurate and durable. The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters—outstanding for a chronograph—given its screw down crown and pushers, which means I can swim and even dive or play water sports wearing this watch.

Comfort: The case, bracelet and clasp are extremely comfortable. The clasp on mine is the slim, less bulky, first-generation clasp that is more comfortable than my other watches with bulkier clasps, especially when desk-diving resting my wrist while typing.

A-listers Wear It: The Daytona is the watch of choice of basketball legend Michael Jordan. The 116520, in particular, is worn by Hollywood Director Michael Bay and Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman.

Heritage: The Daytona is the ultimate motorsports watch. And the fact that Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona was valued at $17.8 million brings a certain cachet to the watch for me. I first noticed the Daytona many years ago when I became interested in chronographs generally, but the Newman auction price caught my attention and drew me to this watch much more so than had it not fetched such an astronomical price. When I could finally afford it, I pulled the trigger, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The watch has made me very happy.

Rarity: Rolex no longer makes the 116520 and there is a greater and greater shortage of supply. In 5, 10, 50 years, I believe the price should keep going up, likely at a rate higher than most or likely almost all other top-tier iconic timepieces (with the sole exception of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak).

Value: For all that this watch offers, I believe it is well worth the market price. I usually buy my watches from eBay with free authentication provided by eBay. If you are interested in acquiring a 116520 of your own, it's an excellent choice--the watch is beautiful and I'm sure you will love it as much as I love mine.

Bottom Line: I think the designers and engineers who are magicians at Rolex did a wonderful job with the 116520. They created something of beauty that will last. I thank their genius for what I consider the perfect watch.

I would love to hear comments from fellow watch lovers in the community. Anything you agree/disagree with? If my write-up compelled you to acquire a 116520 of your own, or if you bought one recently or a long time ago, please post here about your experience buying it and enjoying it.

About the Rolex Rolex 116520 Ref. 116520

The Daytona reference 116520 represents a significant evolution within the Cosmograph Daytona line, being the first to feature Rolex's in-house developed chronograph movement. This reference marked a departure from previous models that utilized outsourced calibers, establishing a new benchmark for the brand's commitment to vertical integration and precision engineering in its sports watch offerings. It maintained the classic Daytona aesthetic while introducing subtle refinements.

The watch is presented in a 40mm Oystersteel case, featuring a fixed tachymeter bezel also crafted from Oystersteel. Powering the timepiece is the automatic Caliber 4130, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement known for its robust construction and a substantial power reserve of 72 hours. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the watch is water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters, ensuring durability and functionality.

Appealing to collectors interested in the technical advancements of Rolex, the 116520 is recognized for its role in the brand's history of movement development. It is available with either a white or black dial, both featuring contrasting sub-dials that enhance legibility and visual interest. The reference was produced for a considerable period, making it a recognizable and sought-after model for those appreciating the blend of traditional design with modern horological innovation.

Specifications

Caliber: Cal. 4130

Case: Oystersteel

Diameter: 40mm

Dial: white

Water Resist.: 100m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The white dial configuration of the Rolex Daytona 116520 is particularly admired for its aesthetic balance and versatility, with some collectors owning multiple examples.
Celebrity endorsement can paradoxically diminish a watch's appeal for some genuine enthusiasts, who prefer to acquire timepieces based on personal preference rather than hype.
There is frustration among collectors regarding the preferential allocation of highly sought-after Rolex models, such as the Rainbow Daytona, to A-list celebrities by Authorized Dealers.
The platinum version of the Daytona, while initially considered 'uber cool,' has seen its appeal wane for some due to its perceived association with celebrity allocations rather than genuine collector access.

The Discussion

MichaelC

Jun 14, 2025

I think the Platinum version is cool looking. Congratulations for your long term relationship with it! I always buy what I like, for me, and could care less if others agree with or approve the decision. But honestly, when I see celebrities wearing and hyping something, I become less interested. I see Kevin Hart wearing a different AP on every TV commercial he is on, and I wonder if he even knows how to correctly pronounce the name. If he had a betting company for that, I definitely know which wa

LarsG

Jun 14, 2025

I love the piano pics. Enjoy!

seabas132

Jun 14, 2025

care for this piece. I too prefer the steel bezel versions

gary_g

Jun 14, 2025

I love every Daytona … just the degree of love varies from ref to ref.

ImranLondon

Jun 14, 2025

What really pisses me off, these celebrities get the cream, just because they are a celeb. One of close friends works for a large AD, had a rainbow Daytona coming and were advised by the manager that they could only offer it to an A-list celebrity.

ImranLondon

Jun 14, 2025

I used to find the platinum model Uber cool but not anymore. It seems like it’s another one of those pieces that when it comes into the store the majority of the time it will go to the so-called celebrities and hot shots and what not

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Rolex forum with 10 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Rolex Daytona 116520: Five-Year Owner Review

About the Rolex Rolex 116520 Ref. 116520

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum