Daytona family · 41 references Rolex

Daytona 116520

Name: Rolex Daytona 116520
Brand: Rolex
Availability: InStock

40mm Popular Model Consistent Pricing Surging Volume

Low $21,000

Median $23,479

High $24,950

Search Daytona 116520 Listings

The Rolex Daytona 116520 pairs a steel bezel with the movement that brought Daytona chronograph production in-house in 2000. For anyone who prefers an uninterrupted sweep of steel to the ceramic bezel of its successor, this is the modern Daytona to get to know.

Its 4130 replaced the Zenith-derived movement of the previous generation, bringing a vertical clutch and moving the running seconds from nine o’clock to six. Both black and white dials were offered: black gives the silver-toned counter rings sharper contrast, while white makes the dial feel more open. Production continued until 2016, so there’s a meaningful choice within the reference: later examples gained Rolex’s more substantial clasp, worth seeking out if bracelet feel matters to you.

Pay particular attention to the steel tachymeter bezel. Its polished surface readily picks up marks, and repeated refinishing can soften the engraved scale—the detail that gives this generation much of its character.

MovementAutomatic

Caliber4130

Case MaterialStainless Steel

Case Size40mm

Water Resistance100m

What owners love

It wears smaller and flatter than the 40mm figure suggests, and the curved lugs keep it close to the wrist. Owners who wear it daily often single out how comfortably it slips under a cuff.
The steel bezel gives the 116520 a different character from the later ceramic Daytona: less contrast, more of an all-steel look. It's a big part of why some longtime owners prefer this reference.
The 4130 earns praise for dependable accuracy over years of use, and its chronograph pushers have a satisfying, positive action once unscrewed.

Common Criticisms

The polished steel bezel picks up hairlines readily, as do the polished center links. Owners who like the bright finish also acknowledge how quickly everyday wear shows on it.
Reading the time at a glance isn't always easy: the polished hands can blend into the dial, particularly on the white version. The small chronograph registers aren't especially quick to read either.
The screw-down pushers make spontaneous timing awkward—you have to unscrew them before starting the chronograph. It's a recurring gripe even among owners who otherwise love wearing the watch.

Daytona 116520

What owners love

Common Criticisms

Reviews & Videos

Right Now on eBay

Recent Forum Listings

Daytona References at a Similar Price

Other Rolex Models