Watch prices have been dropping recently due to many factors. Collectors may find this a good opportunity to find quality pieces at reasonable prices while investors may have to rethink when and how they should reenter the market. While the more modern Daytonas such as the 116500 are badly hit, the Zenith 16520 seems to be doing way better due to its collectability.
The 16520 Zenith Daytona was released in 1988 and production stopped in 2000 when it was replaced by 116520. As the first automatic Daytona, the 16520 features a 4030 Zenith movement, which was then replaced by in-house Rolex movement in the 116520 in 2000. The floating porcelain dial, four-liner dial, Patrizzi dial, inverted 6 dial, the A series and the P series are some of the popular dial variations and series that are collectible.
The A series, among them, is one of the more rare but affordable series of the 16520 as it was produced in only 1999-2000 while prices are still not sky high. The A series is the only series (other than the very few P series) that has solid end links. Other than that, it features a luminova dial that started in lower U series 16520 till the end of the 16520 production in 2000.
With these unique features, the 16520 Zenith Daytona has more or less survived better in the recent price drop. Given its more collectible status, one that is in good condition is not as easy to be found as the 116520 and the in-production 116500 since the 16520 was discontinued 22 years ago. Therefore, price fluctuations may not affect this reference as much as the newer 116520 and the in-production ceramic 116500.
But what should you look for in a 16520 A series? First of all, an unpolished case. The brushed area, the lug chamfers, thickness, and the crown guards will tell you if the watch has been polished. The bezel will also be a sign. The dial has to be 100% clean and the bracelet is 78390 and the endlink is 803b solid endlink.
The watch featured here is an unpolished 16520 A series in new old stock condition. It comes with a super full set. Any inquiries are welcome.