Second opinions on this 16520?

[Nilus3]

Hi, all. Been looking for an earlier 16520 for a while and I have my sights set on this one, but I would like to hear your opinions on the condition (signs of polishing, wear, etc.) and the price? I know the seller is reputable, which gives me some confidence, but I am by no means an expert on evaluations so any help would be appreciated.

http://www.chrono24.com/en/rolex/day...-id3685376.htm

[fmc000]

The dial is correct. The watch has a service bezel (also called Mark 6), an L6 watch must have a Mark 3 or Mark 4 bezel. Also the end link at 6 o'clock has clearly seen better days and there's no picture of the inside of the clasp to see if it is period correct.

[Nilus3]

Ciao and grazie, Fabio! I noticed the end link wear but I'm still not seeing the difference between the bezel and the correct Mark 3 as shown here:

http://doubleredseadweller.com/16520bezels.html

Maybe this just proves how little I actually know?!

[Vintage12]

I viewed this watch while picking up my 6265. It's a really nice piece, the only reason I didn't go for it myself was because I was looking for the 225 bezel and 4-liner more associated with the L-series. You still get the very nice brushed strap, inverted 6 and late 80's Zenith watch. If you don't mind the bezel and 5-line then you will be happy with it, price reflects that. Trustworthy seller, I'm very happy with my Daytona from them. Good luck.

[Nilus3]

Thanks so much both of you! I would have never realized that the bezel was a replacement. To my eyes it looked the same as the correct Mark III, but I have since looked at a couple images that point out the very subtle differences.

I don't have a problem with the original Mark III bezel nor do I really care about the four lines vs five. I mainly like the brushed bracelet and inverted 6 aspects of all the early versions (though I WOULD also prefer the 225 bezel and four line dial depending on how much of a premium was being charged).

At any rate, I'm still thinking but I may have to pass on this one because the replacement bezel does kind of bother me. While I intend on wearing it regularly, I would still like to have as much possible future collectible appeal as possible. And I think a replacement bezel really crimps that. Thoughts?

[Vintage12]

Well, if it really bothers you then general advice would be to keep looking. That being said, if you want a 4 line/225 of this quality then it's at least 50%-100% more in cost if not higher so your initial investment would be greater. IMHO the 4/225 will probably be a greater return but this is still a very nice watch and likely to be a reasonable investment over time. After all, it is a late 80's Zenith for less than $10K. I believe the seller will guide you correctly as well if you want to give them a call - speak with Morgan or Matt directly, good people.

[SLS]

Wait for the right watch IMO, don't ever settle on vintage. There are other examples out there, you just have to find them!

[okthenor]

Have done multiple deals with the seller and he is top notch.

[fmc000]

Just to be clear: for an L6 watch the 4-line dial and the 225 bezel would NOT be correct. The dial should be a 5-liner and the bezel a normal MK3 or MK4 200-240.

Nonetheless, giving a better look at the watch pictures, I don't think that the watch has a service bezel anymore; instead it looks to me that it's a MK4, which is period correct as it was used along with the MK3 for the same serials (L5 -> lower S).

Sorry for the confusion.

[Vintage12]

I agree this is a Mk4 bezel. Many folk reference the 16520 lifecycle model below which may help, but review the text notes as well as table. Guidelines only. Good luck.

[zweljie]

I agree as well. Mine is an L68XXXX as well and it has a Mark III dial with 400/60 - 240 bezel. Replaced with a 78390 bracelet. ☺️ have seen in some reviews that L5XXXXX onwards had this combination. Again, it is not written in stone and Rolex does not give out official figures. 😣





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