The First Series Daytona 1652x: A Study on the 200 Scale Bezels

The First Series Daytona 1652x: A Study on the 200 Scale Bezels

In the spring of 1988, at the Basel Fair, Rolex officially introduced the new version of one of its most iconic models, the Daytona. The new references available are three: 16520 and 16528, with a case in steel and 18kt yellow gold, respectively, and 16523 in a steel/gold two-tone version.

The three new Daytona references 16520/8/3 presented in 1988

This innovative Daytona model differs from the previous 6263/6265 references primarily due to the adoption of an automatic movement, the 4030, developed based on the famous Zenith El Primero.
Significant attention was also given to the aesthetic component, with the design being completely renewed in both the shape and the technique of the case, bezel, and bracelet.

A Rolex Daytona 16520 disassembled

Unlike the manual-winding Daytonas, which for many years were not highly appreciated by the general public, the new Daytona 1652/0/8/3 model became an immediate commercial success.
As soon as it was introduced, waiting lists were already forming at official Rolex dealers from collectors eager to own one for their collection.
As happens today with reference 116500LN, many collectors were even willing to pay prices well above the official Rolex list price to get one.

The Daytona reference 116500LN in white and black dial version

It is widely believed that the introduction of the new reference with automatic movement marked the birth of the Daytona myth, so much so that almost simultaneously, the previous manual-winding references were positively reevaluated by collectors.

A Rolex Daytona 6263 from the early ’80s (Andrea Piccinini Archive)

The Daytona myth would not be a passing trend triggered by novelty but would continue to grow exponentially over the following years.
Countless web publications, books, and themed auctions have had the Daytona as the absolute star.

Some publications dedicated to the Daytona

The first automatic Daytonas produced in 1988 and 1989 have a series of special and unique features that make them highly sought after and coveted by collectors worldwide.
For example, the dials are characterized by the famous separated “Cosmograph” inscription, and the bezels, the famous “200 Scale,” have a unique graphic layout that would no longer be used in later series.

A Rolex Daytona reference 16520 with separated fifth dial and 200 bezel (Andrea Piccinini Archive).

Today, I would like to propose a technical analysis of the “200 Scale” bezels that were mounted on the very first models produced.

A Daytona booklet dated 1988 illustrating the various models available at the time, all with a 200 bezel.

I hope this brief essay on the characteristics of these bezels can be useful for making more informed and cautious purchases.
Given the rarity and economic value of the “200 Scale” bezels, there are numerous fakes on the market today, recently even made with very advanced techniques, making them more difficult to distinguish from the real ones for the less trained eye.

A Rolex Daytona reference 16528 in 18kt gold, also with first series dial and 200 bezel (Courtesy Jatucka).

First of all, it is important to emphasize a very significant fact not known to everyone: the original bezels of reference 1652/0/3/8 with “200 Scale” come in two types, not just one as was believed until recently.
The presence of two different types of bezels in such a short production period might seem strange, but it is likely explained by the simultaneous production of these bezels by two different Rolex suppliers.
Let’s start by analyzing the classic Mk1 “200 Scale” bezel, both in steel and gold versions, identical in graphic layout, differing only in material.

Mk1 Steel 200 Bezel.
Mk1 Gold 200 Bezel.
Details of the Mk1 bezels.

Now let’s move on to the recently identified second type of bezel with “200 Scale,” both in steel and gold versions, which we will call Mk1BIS for convenience.
Here too, the graphic layout of the Mk1BIS for steel and gold is the same, with only the material being different.

Mk1BIS Steel 200 Bezel.
Mk1BIS Gold 200 Bezel.
Details of the 200 Mk1BIS bezels.

Note that:

  • The distance between the number 80 and the corresponding reference dot is much greater on the Mk1 BIS bezel.
  • The “Units per Hour” inscription is aligned differently.
  • The lower part of the bezel has slightly different graphics.

Let’s compare the two types of “200 Scale” bezels.

Mk1 and Mk1BIS Bezels

Here is a comparison between the Mk1 and Mk1BIS bezels in the steel version.

Mk1 and Mk1BIS in steel

And here is a comparison between the Mk1 and Mk1BIS bezels in gold.

Mk1 and Mk1BIS in gold

Finally, all possible combinations:

Mk1 and Mk1BIS bezels in steel and gold

I hope this brief post can be helpful in your research on the legendary Daytona 16520 reference. Thank you for your attention.
Andrea.

Andrea.


This article was written and published by me on Roberto “Jatucka” Randazzo’s website in 2020. I thank Roberto for allowing me to add it to my website’s blog.”

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