ROLEX, EXTREMELY RARE STAINLESS STEEL PROTOTYPE 'DAYTONA MOONRAKER', REF. 16520

Extremely rare and almost never publicly seen at auction, the present Rolex Daytona "Moonraker" appears to be a standard reference 116520 with silvered register rings (circa 2000-2016) and running seconds at 6 o'clock at first glance. However, a closer inspection reveals that running seconds is in fact at 9 o'clock, identifying and confirming this watch as the predecessor reference 16520 and powered by the beloved Zenith-based caliber 4030.

This subtle yet incredible timepiece amalgamates both references and is considered a 16520 with a prototype "transitional" dial as the dial is like the later reference, but has the 6 and 9 o'clock registers swapped from the difference in calibers. Furthermore, the watch has tritium luminescence, adding and ever so slightly cream color to the hands and hour markers. Offered in overall very good condition, this Daytona "Moonraker" presents as the ultimate, stealth timepiece for the astute collector of rare and unusual Rolex watches.