Commit TV Yagi Column ~ Is the Rolex Daytona Ref.116520 worth buying now?

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This time, we will be looking at the Rolex Daytona Ref. 116520. Can this be said to be a model worth aiming for right now? Let's talk about this.

The Daytona is known as the King of Rolex, and has undergone many minor changes throughout its history, resulting in the creation of many different models. The current market price for each model is at a very high level, and the watch has established an immovable position with no sign of a decline in demand.

However, there are some Daytona models whose prices have not yet risen to their full potential.

"Rolex Daytona Ref.116520" (hereinafter "Ref.116520")

This time, I would like to talk about whether this "Ref. 116520" is a good buy right now.

What is the Rolex Daytona Ref. 116520 ?

First, we will tell you about the basic specifications and main features of the "Ref. 116520" .

◆Specifications

 Production period: 2000 to 2016 *Minor changes: Many
 -Material: SS (stainless steel)
・Dial color: White/black
 Case size: 40mm diameter 
Movement: Cal.4130 automatic winding
 -Power reserve: Approximately 72 hours
・Water resistance: 100m
 Luminous material: Luminova, Chromalight
 Windshield material: Sapphire glass

The currently sold "Ref. 116500LN" is the long-selling model "Ref. 116520" that was produced from 2000 to 2016, one generation before the current model. It is the fifth generation of the "Daytona".

The highlight of this model is that it is the first to feature Rolex's long-cherished in-house chronograph movement, Cal. 4130. Also, due to the long production period of 16 years, many minor changes were made, including in small details.

◆Representative features

Next, I would like to introduce the main characteristics of each age group.

[Around 2000 to 2004]

*Left: Fine needle specification

"Fine needle specifications"

This thin needle specification was only available in the early stages of production. A minor change was made in 2004 to make the hour and minute hands thicker. It has a sharp impression reminiscent of the fourth generation "Ref. 16520", and the thin needle specification is very popular.

[From around 2006]

"Roulette engraving"

This is a feature that has appeared in other models many times, so many people may already know it. The letters "ROLEX" and the serial number are engraved on the outer circumference of the dial.

Around 2010-2011

*Left: Early model, Right: Late model

"In-dial frame color"

The color of the sub-dial has been changed from yellowish silver to a shiny silver. Some people call it the "glaring line dial." This is a matter of personal preference. If you are considering purchasing the "Ref. 116520," this is something you should definitely check.

[From around 2013]

*Left: Luminova, Right: Chromalight

"The luminous paint is Chromalight."

The luminous paint has been changed from Luminova to Chromalight, which changes the way it glows in the dark and makes it more visible.

[Mid-2015 to early 2016]

"Mirrored buckle"

The middle plate of the buckle has been changed from a "matte finish" to a "mirror finish." Both finishes are beautiful, but the "mirror finish" was only produced from mid-2015 to early 2016, and is highly valued as a rare item.

Reasons why now is the time

Now, going back to the main topic, I will explain it in three parts.

❶Price

First, the price

As mentioned above, the price of the "Ref. 116520" has not risen as much as other generations of "Daytona."

By the way, the estimated selling price (for units with accessories such as a warranty card, as of July 10, 2021) is as follows :

 6th generation "Ref.116500LN"
 ⇒Black: from about 3.4 million yen White: from about 3.8 million yen
 Fifth generation "Ref.116520"
 ⇒Black: from about 2.6 million yen White: from about 2.6 million yen
 Fourth generation "Ref.16520"
 ⇒Black: from about 3.8 million yen White: from about 3.7 million yen 
3rd generation to 1st generation "Hand-wound Daytona"
 ⇒ASK

When you compare the prices of the models before and after it, you can see that the prices have not yet risen significantly. The difference of about 800,000 to 1.2 million yen is a big difference in price at this point.

Also, looking at the rise of other Daytona models, it is possible that the Ref. 116520 has potential for future growth.

❷Functionality

Next, I'll talk about the functionality .

Just because the market price is cheaper than other Daytona models, it does not mean that the functionality is inferior.

The movement, which can be said to be the power source of the watch, is equipped with the "Cal. 4130" as in the current "Ref. 116500LN", and the specifications remain unchanged. Also, the "Ref. 116520" was the first Daytona to adopt an integrated flash fit. There are no other major differences in functionality.

In other words, there is no difference in functionality between the current models "Ref. 116500LN" and "Ref. 116520" , and they are both high performance.

◆Design

Finally, I would like to talk about the design .

Design is one of the most important points to consider when choosing a watch. However, because it is largely a matter of personal subjectivity, we will provide as objective an opinion as possible.

 A commonly-held impression
 4th generation "Ref.16520" A vintage feel and a sharp impression. 
The fifth generation "Ref. 116520" has a powerful presence due to the sub-dial, and the overall impression is well-balanced.
 6th generation "Ref. 116500LN" The bezel is made of ceramic, giving it a modern and clear impression.

Judging from the current situation, it can be said that the fourth generation model "Ref. 16520" and the current model "Ref. 116500LN" have a look that is more in line with the times and is in high demand.

However, the Daytona itself is very popular for its design, and it remains a highly sought-after model. Not only for Rolex, but also for the watch industry in general , the Ref. 116520 is in high demand, which means it has a high design.

summary

What did you think.

The Daytona is an ever-popular Rolex model, and we would like to introduce you to the Ref. 116520 , a model that we think is worth considering right now.

The "Ref. 116520" is one of the "Daytona" models that has received relatively little attention, but it has many excellent points in terms of price, functionality, and design, making it a "superior model" with great future potential.

I hope this article will be helpful to anyone who is considering purchasing the Daytona!

see you!