Reference
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Reference 16516 · Platinum
The lowest current ask for the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (ref. 16516) is $36,900 at Bulang And Sons, among 5 live listings we track. The auction record is $3,100,000 (Sotheby's Hong Kong, 2021). Updated October 2, 2026. View lowest ask →
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About this reference
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 16516 is a rare platinum variant produced in the late 1990s, specifically around 1998 and 1999. Unlike standard production models of that era, this reference features a 40mm case crafted from 950 platinum and is powered by the Zenith-based Calibre 4030 automatic movement. Collectors value this reference due to its extreme scarcity; it was never featured in public catalogs and was produced in very limited quantities, often cited as fewer than ten pieces, specifically for high-level executives or special orders. These watches typically feature unique dials, such as Tahitian mother-of-pearl or lapis lazuli, paired with leather straps. On the secondary market, prices occupy the high-six-figure to low-seven-figure range. A notable auction result occurred in 2020 when a 16516 with a lapis lazuli dial sold for over $3.2 million, confirming its status as one of the most expensive automatic Daytonas.
Auction track record
2 documented sales since 2018. Top hammer $3,100,000 at Sotheby's Hong Kong in 2021. Median hammer: $871,000.
Ranks #12 of 74 Rolex auction lots we track — see all Rolex records.
Live inventory matching this reference
Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6263 Big Red Floating Silver Soleil
Ref. 6263 · Stainless Steel
€78k
Rolex
1964 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Ref. 6239) Silver Dial W/ Box
Ref. 1964 · 18k Yellow Gold
€77k
Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16528 Black Floating Dial in 18k Ye
Ref. 16528 · 18k Yellow Gold
€64k
Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6265 MK2 Silver Sigma Panda Dial
Ref. 6265 · Stainless Steel
€59k
Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116520 Panna dial Box and Paper Set
Ref. 116520 · Stainless Steel
€34k
Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16523 Black Inverted 6 Dial Execute
Ref. 16523 · 18k Yellow Gold
€17k
Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6262 Exotic White Dial
Ref. 6262 · Stainless Steel
€183k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16528 Pave Dial with Emerald Hours
Ref. 16528 · 18k Yellow Gold
€78k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6263 Big Red Floating Silver Soleil
Ref. 6263 · Stainless Steel
€78k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6263 Panda Big Red Dial
Ref. 6263 · Stainless Steel
€75k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Tropical Dial ref. 6239
Ref. 6239 · Stainless Steel
€74k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6263 Silver Sigma Dial
Ref. 6263 · Stainless Steel
€67k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 6265 Big Red Panda Silver Dial
Ref. 6265 · Stainless Steel
€59k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6239 Matte Black Small Daytona Dial
Ref. 6239 · Stainless Steel
€52k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6239 Panda Dial
Ref. 6239 · Stainless Steel
€48k
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Rolex
1989 Rolex Zenith Daytona (Ref. 16520) Black Mk. I "Floating
Ref. 16520 · Stainless Steel
€46k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6239 Black Dial
Ref. 6239 · Stainless Steel
€45k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116520 Panna Dial
Ref. 116520 · Stainless Steel
€26k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116500LN Black Dial Full Set 2021
Ref. 2021 · Stainless Steel
€23k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16520 U-series MK4 Black Dial
Ref. 16520 · Stainless Steel
€22k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16250 T-series White Dial
Ref. 16250 · Stainless Steel
€20k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16520 black MKV dial
Ref. 16520 · Stainless Steel
€20k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116509 Black Dial 18k White Gold
Ref. 116509 · 18k White Gold
€14k
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Rolex
Rolex GMT-Master II | REF. 116710LN | Stainless Steel
Ref. — · Stainless Steel
€10k
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All documented hammer prices
For this reference (and close variants).
| Lot | Year | Hammer | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16516 · Cosmograph Daytona | 2021 | $3,100,000 | Sotheby's Hong Kong |
| 16516 · Cosmograph Daytona | 2018 | $871,000 | Sotheby's Hong Kong |
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