A Bargain Rolex Daytona – If You Know Where to Look

A Bargain Rolex Daytona – If You Know Where to Look

The Rolex Daytona may be the watch world’s headline act, but step past the spotlight of today’s hyped steel models and you’ll discover lesser-known references that quietly deliver extraordinary value, if you know where to look.

By Swiss Watch Advisor

Price anomalies and attractive opportunities aren’t limited to stocks, bonds or other securities – they can also be found in the watch market. Often, one doesn’t have to look far: even among hyped «blue chip» models, there’s hidden value waiting to be discovered.

A prime example is the legendary and infamous Rolex Daytona. While the current reference 126500LN and its predecessor 116500LN – discontinued in 2023 – garner the lion’s share of attention, several lesser-known alternatives from the recent past stand out for good reason.

Significant Price Increases

First, both of the aforementioned models have seen substantial price increases in recent years. When the 116500LN was launched in 2016, its list price was 11,800 francs. By the time it was discontinued in early 2023, that figure had already climbed to 14,100 francs. The successor 126500LN, introduced the same year, currently retails at 14,800 francs.

Second, the secondary market has changed dramatically over the past six to seven years. Back in 2018, a 116500LN could still be found for around 16,000 francs – by 2022, it was trading at record highs of over 45,000 francs.

Sweet Spot: Between «Contemporary» and «Vintage»

While prices on the secondary market have since come down, both models still command significant premiums over retail. A 126500LN with a white dial, for instance, now costs around 29,000 francs – almost double its official list price.

As with collectible cars, watches often offer the best «price/value» sweet spot somewhere between modern and full vintage models.

The Best of Both Worlds

Between those extremes lies a rich field of so-called «neo-vintage» watches – pieces that are not only attractively priced but also combine the best of both worlds.

Blending vintage-inspired design with modern features, these watches are visually appealing and highly wearable, with no worries about scratched crystals or lack of water resistance.

Two Recommendations

At Rolex, this «neo-vintage» category typically includes five- and certain six-digit references produced between the 1980s and 2000s.

Within the Daytona line, the most relevant models are references 16520 and 116520.

16520 – The «Zenith Daytona»

Powered by Zenith: Reference 16520. (Image: Courtesy of Sotheby's)

Launched in 1988, the 16520 was the first Daytona that didn’t require manual winding. It quickly gained popularity and had years-long waiting lists throughout the 1990s.

Rather than using an in-house movement, Rolex fitted this first automatic Daytona with a modified version of a Zenith caliber, adapted extensively to Rolex’s specifications. The model is therefore commonly referred to as the «Zenith Daytona.»

Although long in high demand, this iconic reference, out of production for 25 years, can now be found for as little as 20,000 francs. In that sense, it offers a genuine «value opportunity» for collectors and enthusiasts.

116520 – The First Rolex «In-House» Chronograph

Neo-vintage from 2010: Reference 116520. (Image: Courtesy of Sotheby's)

In 2000, after years of development, Rolex introduced reference 116520 – the first Daytona equipped with an in-house movement, the caliber 4130.

Its main differences from the 116500LN launched in 2016 lie in the bezel (steel rather than ceramic) and especially the white dial variant.

This reference, too, offers attractive entry points, with pre-owned models starting at under 18,000 francs – only a modest premium over today’s list price, making it something of a hidden bargain.

Price is what you pay, value is what you get

The sometimes significant price gaps between the four references mentioned above represent a market anomaly of sorts: a current production model trades for more than historically important references that have long since disappeared from authorized retailers.

Whether it’s the 16520 or 116520, the key is to find the right piece in the right condition.

Swiss Watch Advisor was founded by a Swiss private banker. He shares his watch expertise regularly on finews.com. As the first fully independent advisor, he helps both newcomers and seasoned collectors curate their collections or select their first (and possibly only) watch. Free of conflicts of interest, Swiss Watch Advisor provides clients with second opinions and personalized recommendations. The author can be contacted directly via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..