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Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Ref. 16520 "Porcelain Floating Dial" – Tritium – R-Series — No.782xxx – Full Set – Box & Papers – 1989

We are thrilled to offer this exceptionally rare and highly sought-after Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Reference 16520, featuring the elusive and collectible "Porcelain" floating dial, housed in a stainless steel Oyster case with its steel Oyster bracelet.

Dating to 1989 and bearing an early R-series serial, this example represents one of the earliest production runs of the automatic Daytona line, powered by the Zenith El Primero-based Caliber 4030 — marking a revolutionary shift in the Daytona lineage.

What sets this piece apart is its white "Porcelain" dial, found only in the earliest examples of the 16520. Characterized by its glossy, almost enamel-like finish and distinct "floating" Cosmograph text (visibly detached from the lines above), this dial variant is among the most collectible in modern Daytona history. The luminous hour markers are tritium-based, aged beautifully with a warm, creamy patina that enhances the vintage charm of the watch.

This full set includes:

- Original early green cushion Rolex inner and outer boxes

- Punched Rolex warranty papers (Ireland, July 1989)

- The original Invoice

- Early Daytona and Oyster booklets

- 1989/1990 calendar card

- brown document holder

The 40mm stainless steel case remains in excellent condition, retaining sharp lugs and crisp edges. The bezel is engraved with the 200-unit tachymeter scale (correct for early models), and the bracelet is tight with no stretch, properly stamped and period correct.

These early “Porcelain” dial 16520s were produced for a very short time and are now considered grail-level pieces for collectors — combining early Zenith-era mechanics with one of the rarest modern Rolex dials ever made.

A true connoisseur’s Daytona, this R-series 16520 "Porcelain" is a time capsule from the transitional era of Rolex chronographs and a must-have for serious collectors of the brand.

“We absolutely love these early beautiful Zenith Daytonas — and the ‘Porcelain’ dial stands in a league of its own for rarity and historical importance!”