39 mm diameter
In 1988, Rolex launched the brand’s very first automatic chronograph series, the reference 16520, with the reference 16528 for its yellow gold examples. The new model featured an automatic movement powered by the Zenith caliber 4030, of which Rolex brilliantly performed about 200 modifications to reach their rigorous standards.
The present watch is housed in a glossy 18K yellow gold case and features a wondrous “Mark I” white porcelain dial. A number of unique traits contribute to the zealous fervor towards the “Mark I” dial. The most significant trait is the “Floating Cosmograph” design as seen on the present watch, in which the “Cosmograph” lettering is separated from the other four lines of text “Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified”. In addition, the subsidiary dial above the six o'clock features an inverted “6" which looks like a “9”. It is also a tritium dial and is labeled as "T SWISS T" at six o'clock.
Adding another element of desirability, the “Mark 1” dial of the present watch is made of fine white porcelain. Today, the porcelain dial version with serial R has become hugely popular amongst watch collectors due to its rarity and imposing look. This watch also features a period-correct bezel which was marked till the unit of 200. The present lot is by all means a grail.