Rolex watches, by and large, are very collectible objects. Of this, there is no doubt.

But what makes one seemingly identical Rolex watch more desirable to collectors than another?

An example of this phenomenon is currently visible at Phillips PERPETUAL.

Our team in London has a pair of Rolex Daytona ref. 16520s, each equipped with the iconic El Primero base movement. Both watches date to the year 2000, are in excellent nick, and come complete with their box and certificate– and yet, one example (we’ll call it Daytona A) has a £3,000 premium on the other example (Daytona B).

Why?

Well, we have three words for you: condition, condition, condition.

A 2000 Rolex Daytona ref. 16520 in like-new condition (Daytona A), available for immediate purchase from Phillips PERPETUAL. Price: £32,500

View Watch Now

With this 16520, it’s the little details that matter: the perfectly aligned hologram sticker, the Rolex cloth imprinted by the sapphire glass after 24 years, and papers that feel like they've been untouched since their issue. These features distinguish this watch as more than just "mint"; they place it into a category that could rightly be called “museum grade” or “preservation class” – watches that seem to have been preserved for posterity, unaltered by wear.

Daytona B, meanwhile, is also in superb shape, but it shows signs of gentle use of the past 24 years. It comes with its original box and certificate, although it is missing its caseback sticker and has likely seen a light polish.

A 2000 Rolex Daytona ref. 16520 (Daytona B), available for immediate purchase from Phillips PERPETUAL. Price: £32,500

Rarity is a multifaceted concept in watches. It can be tied to the production numbers, the specific configuration of a watch, or even its condition over time. In the case of the 16520 Zenith Daytona, the rarity comes not just from its limited production but also from its place in history as the last Daytona model powered by a modified base movement. This marked a significant turning point before Rolex moved to in-house movements, making it highly desirable for collectors.

Rolex Daytona A & B, Ref. 16520

Watch collecting is a fascinating and intricate hobby, rich with history, mechanics, and the thrill of discovery. For those new to this world, terms like "NOS" (New Old Stock), "time capsule," and "museum grade" can be confusing, but they are critical to understanding what sets certain watches apart and why they command such reverence.

  • About Logan Baker

    Logan has spent the past decade reporting on every aspect of the watch business. He joined Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo at the start of 2023 as the department's Senior Editorial Manager. He splits his time between New York and Geneva.