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Hello!
Today, we have a rare, early production dial for the Ref.16520!!
Rolex Daytona Porcelain 200 Units Per Hour Floating All-Tritium
Ref.16520 Serial.R9 (Manufactured circa 1988)
Cal.4030 78360/FF503 Clasp Code M5
Accessories: Watch only
Store Price 17,820,000 JPY (Tax included)
The El Primero-equipped Daytona Ref.16520 was produced from the R series through the P series.
It is a highly popular, discontinued model that boasts a retro charm impossible to find in modern versions!!
The 16520 has many popular variants that excite collectors, including the 200 UPH, 225 UPH, Porcelain, Floating/Cosmograph-spaced,
4-line, Inverted 6, Patrizzi, Brown, and P-series dials!
The piece we have just received is one of the most highly sought-after rarities:
the early-period MK1 with the 200 UPH bezel and Floating dial specification.
This combination is only seen during a brief period in the early stages of the Ref.16520's production,
making it an irresistible detail for El Primero/Daytona fans!!
This model possesses some wonderful rare elements, so let me introduce them to you!!
"200 UPH" MK1 Bezel
While the tachymeter bezel of the 16520 usually features a 400 UPH scale,
the very early versions feature a 200 UPH scale.
This is a rare bezel that is essential for early models!
"Floating" MK1 Dial
Regarding the five-line logo at the 12 o'clock position,
the "COSMOGRAPH" text is spaced one line further down.
This is also known as a "Floating" dial.
Of course, the "6" in the 12-hour totalizer at the 6 o'clock position
is the iconic "Inverted 6" dial, where the digit looks like a "9".
Personally, one of my favorite features of the MK1 dial is
the bold serif lettering.
The serif font used for the five-line text at 12 o'clock and the "T SWISS MADE T"
at 6 o'clock looks absolutely fantastic!!
"Porcelain" Dial
And the greatest appeal of this model is the Porcelain dial!
Existing on the earliest white dials, this is an enamel-like dial with a lustrous, translucent quality,
distinguishing its unique texture from standard white dials.
The glossy expression it shows when catching the light and its captivating, translucent white color are incredibly beautiful,
making it a dial that radiates an aura in a class of its own among the 16520s!!
It isn't actually made of ceramic,
but is nicknamed "Porcelain" due to its enamel-like texture,
and once you see the real thing, you will be convinced of why it is called that.
What do you think? It exudes such a beautiful atmosphere!!
I think the photos convey the translucency of this dial quite well.
Another feature of the Porcelain dial is that the serif lettering appears three-dimensional!
These 3D letters create a mysterious aura that is hard to put into words,
so I highly recommend you see it for yourself!
Here is a comparison with a standard white dial MK2 (left)!!
Comparing them side-by-side like this, you can really see the lustrous, translucent texture unique to the Porcelain dial.
It offers a depth to the white color that is different from the standard, and it is simply irresistible!!
The pinkish "DAYTONA" text is also very cool!!
The dial has slight yellowing and extremely minor scratches visible under a loupe,
but it maintains a beautiful overall condition.
Porcelain dials are rare enough as it is,
but finding one that remains in a clean, crack-free condition is even harder!
In that sense, the piece we are introducing today is a rare find that maintains an incredibly beautiful condition!!
The luminous material is all Tritium!
While many early models have been replaced with Luminova hands,
this particular piece still features its original, correct Tritium hands.
The condition of the Tritium luminescence is also excellent.
The thicker "Kamaboko" case is also a feature of early models!
The rugged impression of this thick case is truly appealing.
While it shows signs of wear consistent with its age, it hasn't been over-polished,
and both the case and bracelet are very solid.
Important point!! The bezel is sharp and creates a great impression!
The mid-case is also relatively thick and sharp!
There are some scratches, but the wear-in look gives it a rugged, cool vibe!!
The buckle clasp code is "M5,"
and it is correctly equipped with the age-appropriate single-link bracelet!
The bracelet is in good condition with only minimal slack!
Finding such a solid single-link bracelet nowadays is also quite rare.
Finally, a wrist shot!! Ah, it's just so cool!!!
The beauty of this translucency is simply mesmerizing.
With both rarity and presence, this is truly a piece that collectors crave!
El Primero-equipped Daytona MK1 Porcelain "Ref.16520/R9 Series"
A masterpiece that possesses the aura unique to such an exceptional model!!
The combination of the rugged case and the lustrous, beautiful Porcelain dial
is absolutely stunning in person, and it looks incredible!!
The overhaul has already been completed at our partner workshop!
If you are looking for an early-production, rare El Primero Daytona,
please consider this one for your collection!
