Rolex - Daytona - Black Dial - 116520 - 2007

The Rolex Daytona 116520 is one of the most iconic chronographs ever produced — a reference that marked a turning point in the history of the Rolex Daytona. Introduced with Rolex’s first in-house chronograph movement, the 116520 represents the brand’s evolution from outsourced calibers to fully proprietary performance.

This 2007 example features the highly sought-after black dial configuration, delivering maximum contrast, legibility, and that unmistakable Daytona presence. The polished steel bezel, luminous hour markers, and three-register chronograph layout create a balanced, motorsport-inspired aesthetic that remains timeless nearly two decades later.

Crafted in 904L Oystersteel and fitted with the classic Oyster bracelet, this reference offers both durability and daily wear versatility — while maintaining strong long-term collectibility within the pre-ceramic Daytona era.

For collectors who appreciate transitional models with historical significance, the 116520 stands as a foundational piece in modern Rolex chronograph lineage.

Key Features

• Reference: 116520

• Year: 2007

• Case Size: 40 mm

• Material: Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel)

• Dial: Black with luminous hour markers

• Bezel: Fixed polished steel tachymeter bezel

• Movement: Rolex Caliber 4130 (in-house automatic chronograph)

• Bracelet: Oyster bracelet with folding Oysterlock clasp

• Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire

• Water Resistance: 100 meters

Why This Daytona Matters

The 116520 was the first stainless steel Daytona powered by Rolex’s in-house Caliber 4130 — a movement celebrated for its reliability, extended power reserve, and simplified architecture. Production ran from 2000 to 2016, making early and mid-production examples like this 2007 model increasingly desirable among collectors.