Reference
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Reference 16516 · Platinum
The lowest current ask for the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (ref. 16516) is $24,900 at Bulang And Sons, among 6 live listings we track. The auction record is $3,100,000 (Sotheby's Hong Kong, 2021). Updated August 17, 2026. View lowest ask →
Track Rolex 16516
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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 #9 of 71 Rolex auction lots we track — see all Rolex records.
Live inventory matching this reference
Rolex
1964 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Ref. 6239) Silver Dial W/ Box
Ref. 1964 · 18k Yellow Gold
$84k
Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16528 Black Floating Dial in 18k Ye
Ref. 16528 · 18k Yellow Gold
$70k
Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6265 MK2 Silver Sigma Panda Dial
Ref. 6265 · Stainless Steel
$64k
Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6239 Black Dial
Ref. 6239 · Stainless Steel
$49k
Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116520 Panna dial Box and Paper Set
Ref. 116520 · Stainless Steel
$37k
Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116500LN Black Dial Full Set 2021
Ref. 2021 · Stainless Steel
$25k
Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16523 Black Inverted 6 Dial Execute
Ref. 16523 · 18k Yellow Gold
$19k
Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6262 Exotic White Dial
Ref. 6262 · Stainless Steel
$199k
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Rolex
Cosmograph Daytona 40mm Sundust Diamond-Set Dial Oyster Brac
Ref. 2024 · 18k Rose Gold
$100k
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Rolex
Cosmograph Daytona 40mm Everose Gold Diamond-Set Dial Oyster
Ref. 2024 · 18k Rose Gold
$100k
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Rolex
Cosmograph Daytona 40mm Golden Diamond-Set Dial Oyster Brace
Ref. 2024 · 18k Yellow Gold
$100k
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Rolex
Cosmograph Daytona 40mm Yellow Gold Diamond-Set Dial Oysterf
Ref. 2024 · 18k Yellow Gold
$100k
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Rolex
Cosmograph Daytona 40mm Black & White MOP Diamond-Set Dial O
Ref. 2024 · 18k White Gold
$100k
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Rolex
Cosmograph Daytona 40mm White Gold White MOP Diamond-Set Dia
Ref. 2024 · 18k White Gold
$100k
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Rolex
Cosmograph Daytona 40mm White Gold Diamond-Set Dial Oysterfl
Ref. 2024 · 18k White Gold
$100k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16528 Pave Dial with Emerald Hours
Ref. 16528 · 18k Yellow Gold
$85k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6263 Big Red Floating Silver Soleil
Ref. 6263 · Stainless Steel
$85k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6263 Panda Big Red Dial
Ref. 6263 · Stainless Steel
$82k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Tropical Dial ref. 6239
Ref. 6239 · Stainless Steel
$80k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6263 Silver Sigma Dial
Ref. 6263 · Stainless Steel
$73k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 6265 Big Red Panda Silver Dial
Ref. 6265 · Stainless Steel
$64k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6239 Matte Black Small Daytona Dial
Ref. 6239 · Stainless Steel
$57k
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Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6239 Panda Dial
Ref. 6239 · Stainless Steel
$52k
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Rolex
1989 Rolex Zenith Daytona (Ref. 16520) Black Mk. I "Floating
Ref. 16520 · Stainless Steel
$50k
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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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