The Rolex Daytona Cosmograph is a legend, a watch synonymous with motorsport, precision, and enduring style. Within the Daytona family lies a highly sought-after, and often misunderstood, model: the reference 15620. Unlike its successors, the 116520 and the earlier 16520, the 15620 boasts a unique movement – the El Primero calibre 400, developed by Zenith. This article will delve into the intricacies of the Rolex Daytona 15620, comparing it to its siblings, examining its value proposition, and exploring its place in the rich tapestry of Rolex Daytona history.
Our focus today is on a specific example: a 2013 Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Black with a random serial number, featuring the characteristic "fat buckle." This particular detail, the larger buckle, is a subtle yet significant marker of certain 15620 production years. Understanding these nuances is key to appreciating the complexities and variations within this already desirable timepiece.
The Zenith Connection: A Unique Chapter in Daytona History
Before we explore the specifics of our 2013 example, let's understand the context. The Rolex Daytona 15620 holds a special place in Daytona history because of its movement. Unlike the in-house calibres found in most Daytonas, including the later 116520 and the preceding 16520, the 15620 utilized the Zenith El Primero calibre 400. This collaboration between Rolex and Zenith, though short-lived, resulted in a highly accurate and robust automatic chronograph movement. The Zenith El Primero is highly regarded in the horological world for its high beat rate (36,000 vibrations per hour), allowing for superior precision and smoother sweeping seconds hand. This collaboration, however, ended in the late 1980s, with Rolex eventually developing their own in-house chronograph movements.
This makes the Rolex Daytona 15620 a unique and transitional piece in Rolex's history, a bridge between the earlier manually-wound Daytonas and the modern, in-house automatic models. Collectors often appreciate this historical significance, adding to the desirability of the 15620. The fact that Rolex used a movement from another prestigious manufacturer is a testament to the high standards they held, even when relying on external expertise.
Comparing the 15620 to the 16520 and 116520:
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