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Hello!
Kaneko from Commit Ginza here to introduce a recommended watch!
Today, we have a rare early-model dial for the Ref. 16520!!
Rolex Daytona El Primero 200 Units Per Hour 4-Line All Tritium
Ref. 16520 Serial. L3 (Manufactured around 1989)
Cal. 4030 78360/FF503 Clasp Code M5
Accessories: Box, Warranty Card (Domestic authorized retailer/Dated January 1990)
Store price: 9,900,000 yen (tax included)
The Daytona "Ref. 16520" equipped with the El Primero movement.
The 16520 is a highly popular model with unique variations that stir the hearts of enthusiasts, including the 200 units, 225 units, Porcelain, Floating, 4-line, Inverted 6, Patrizzi, Brown Eye, A-series, and P-series.
The model I am introducing today is an early-production Ref. 16520 with an L3 serial, featuring all the compelling characteristics.
Compared to a while ago, the market price for El Primero models is clearly trending upward.
While it is difficult to gauge the market for these extremely rare early models, the price is certainly creeping up!
With availability on the market continuing to shrink, I recommend anyone looking for one to check it out as soon as possible!!
First, let me introduce the features unique to this early model!!
“200 Units” MK1 Bezel
The tachymeter bezel for the 16520 is normally 400 units, but it is 200 units on the very early ones.
This is a rare bezel that is essential for an early model!
MK2 Dial “4-Line”
An early dial where "OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED" was removed from the five-line English text, resulting in a four-line display.
Like the MK1 dial, this is an extremely rare dial with very few on the market.
Personally, I love the way the "E" in the ROLEX logo looks!
“Inverted 6” Dial
This is an early dial manufactured until around the S-series, called the "Inverted 6" because the "6" in the 12-hour totalizer at the 6 o'clock position is flipped to look like a "9".
Because this is a feature of models up until the S-series, the MK1/Floating and MK2/4-line dials will always have the "Inverted 6".
Single Buckle
The single buckle is also an essential point for an early piece.
The clasp code on this unit is "M5," so the era matches perfectly!
"Kamaboko" (Thick) Case
The "Kamaboko" case is also a feature of early models!
Can you see how the early units have a thicker case?
There is something about the "Kamaboko" case that makes it look more rugged and appealing.
While there are some signs of use, it is a solid unit with a great overall impression.
*There is a laser-etched crown on the crystal.
The middle case is in good condition, maintaining its original form.
As you can see, the edges of the lugs are still sharp!
There is a small nick on the 5 o'clock lug, but it blends in naturally with the overall wear and does not detract from the atmosphere of the watch.
If anything, these kinds of marks add to its rugged charm and let you enjoy that semi-vintage feel.
The period-correct bracelet is also in good condition with only slight stretch!!
The dial condition is excellent, remaining clean even under a loupe. It is honestly rare to find an early model with such a clean dial.
The luminous material is all tritium, and it is properly equipped with tritium hands.
It has such a great look!
Although there are some scratches, there is no sense of wear around the bezel, and it makes a great impression when you hold it!!
The included accessories are also extensive.
Box (with reference sticker), warranty card, chronometer certificate, international service warranty, chronometer tag, green tag (no serial), Daytona booklet (88), Oyster booklet (89), and other official booklets are included!
It is definitely rare to find such an early model with all these accessories!!
Wrist shot!! Looks so cool!!
The combination of the 4-line dial and the 200 units bezel is instantly recognizable and an exceptionally cool, super-rugged early El Primero!
The very early model "Ref. 16520/L3" with a MK1 bezel and MK2 dial.
It is hard not to be drawn to an early model with such amazing rare elements.
This unit is recommended for its attractive rugged case, excellent dial condition, and extensive accessories including the box, warranty card, and Daytona booklets!
With the overall availability of tritium units shrinking, this is your chance to snag a very early piece when you find one!!
For those looking for a rare El Primero-equipped Daytona, please consider this one.
Finally, a two-shot with the Gold MK1/Floating!!
See you next time!!
