16516
Zenith Daytona (platinum unicorn)
- Production
- 1998–1999
- Model
- Daytona
- Case material
- Platinum
- Case size
- 40mm
- Movement
- Automatic
- Calibre
- Cal. 4030
- Market value band
- $120k – $300k
The only Daytona ever built combining a platinum case with the El Primero-based automatic movement of the 16500 series — a pairing that never went into regular production. Former Rolex CEO Patrick Heiniger commissioned around five examples in 1998-99, each on an exotic hardstone or mother-of-pearl dial, kept one for himself and gave the rest to close business associates. None was ever catalogued, and collectors call the model the Unicorn because it's the only one of its kind.
Key dates.
- Commissioned privately by CEO Patrick Heiniger; never a catalogued release
- Around five examples are known, each with a distinct dial (mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli, and 'Stella' colour dials among them).
Before you ask.
When was the Rolex 16516 produced?
The 16516 was produced from 1998 to 1999.
What movement does the Rolex 16516 use?
The Rolex 16516 runs the Cal. 4030, an automatic movement.
How do I check a Rolex 16516 with Watch Safe?
Look up the watch's serial number in the Watch Safe registry to see whether a record exists or a theft flag is attached. A registry search identifies records for a specific serial; it does not authenticate the watch. Authentication is performed in person by an independent expert authenticator, and Watch Safe records and publishes the result.
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