The Zenith Rolex Daytona was the first of the Zenith Daytona watches, as they became unofficially known, that first introduced the overall design template that still defines the Rolex Daytona collection today.

In addition to now being powered by a self-winding chronograph movement that was based on the Zenith El Primero (although its design was highly modified by Rolex), the new generation of Daytona watches also brought about an increase in case size to 40mm, the introduction of crown-guards, and also the switch from acrylic to sapphire crystals.

At a glance, these Rolex ‘Zenith’ Daytona watches look very similar to the modern models that are powered by Rolex’s own in-house movement. However, there are a number of details that make this first generation of self-winding Daytona models unique, and the variations among them make these Zenith Daytona watches popular targets for Rolex collectors.

Watch Insights

• Reference Number: 16520
• Serial number: A980xxx
• Years: 1998 – 2000
• Case Size: 40mm
• Materials: Stainless Steel
• Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, 12-Hour Chronograph, Tachymeter Bezel
• Bezel: Fixed, Stainless Steel w/ Engraved Tachymeter Scale
• Dial: Black w/ Luminous Hour Markers
• Luminous Material: Tritium
• Crystal: Sapphire (Flat)
• Movement: Rolex Caliber 4030 (Self-Winding, Zenith-Based)
• Water Resistance: 100 Meters / 330 Feet
• Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet (Stainless Steel)
• Set: Outer Box, Inner Box, cushion, Service paper, Translation Booklet, Oyster booklet, no guarantee papers.