rolex 116520 caliber | Rolex 116520 retail price

The Rolex 116520, now a highly sought-after and collectible iteration of the iconic Daytona chronograph, derives much of its enduring appeal from the meticulously engineered heart beating within: the Caliber 4130. This in-house movement, a significant leap forward for Rolex, is more than just a timekeeping device; it's a testament to their commitment to innovation, reliability, and precision. Understanding the Caliber 4130 is crucial to appreciating the enduring value and desirability of the Rolex 116520. This article delves deep into the intricacies of this legendary caliber, exploring its technical specifications, performance characteristics, and its contribution to the overall success of the Rolex Daytona 116520. We'll also touch upon aspects such as its market value, availability, and the general consensus on its performance, addressing the common search queries surrounding the Rolex 116520 price, its availability for sale, and its overall review.

A Deep Dive into the Caliber 4130: A Mechanical Marvel

The Caliber 4130, launched in 2000, marked a significant departure from Rolex's previous reliance on modified Valjoux movements for their chronographs. It represented a bold step towards complete in-house production, allowing Rolex to exercise greater control over the design, manufacturing, and quality control processes. This resulted in a movement that was not only more robust and reliable but also thinner than its predecessors, contributing to the 116520's comfortable and elegant profile.

Technical Specifications:

* Type: Automatic, self-winding chronograph movement.rolex 116520 caliber

* Diameter: 30.5 mm (1.2 inches).

* Height: 6.5 mm (0.26 inches).

* Jewels: 44. These synthetic rubies serve as low-friction bearings at critical points within the movement, minimizing wear and tear and ensuring smooth operation.

* Components: 290 individual parts. This intricate assembly showcases the complexity and precision required to create a high-performance mechanical movement.

* Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph), or 4 Hz. This higher frequency allows for greater accuracy, as the seconds hand moves in smoother increments.

* Power Reserve: Approximately 72 hours, providing ample autonomy even when the watch is not worn for a weekend. This reduces the need for frequent winding and ensures the watch remains accurate.

* Chronograph Power Reserve: Approximately 66 hours when the chronograph is actively running. The chronograph function, while demanding, has a minimal impact on the overall power reserve.

* Balance Wheel: Free-sprung balance wheel with Microstella regulating screws. This allows for precise adjustment of the movement's timing, enhancing its accuracy.

* Oscillator: Parachrom hairspring. This proprietary Rolex hairspring is made from a paramagnetic alloy, rendering it highly resistant to magnetic fields, temperature variations, and shocks, all of which can negatively impact accuracy.

* Winding System: Perpetual rotor, a bidirectional self-winding mechanism that efficiently harnesses the energy from the wearer's wrist movements to wind the mainspring.

* Chronograph Mechanism: Column wheel chronograph with a vertical clutch. This configuration provides smoother and more precise chronograph operation compared to traditional lever-actuated systems. The vertical clutch eliminates the "jump" of the seconds hand often seen in older chronograph designs.

* Certification: Officially certified as a chronometer by the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), guaranteeing its high level of accuracy and precision.

Key Innovations and Advantages:

The Caliber 4130 incorporates several key innovations that contribute to its superior performance and reliability:

* Simplified Design: Compared to previous Daytona movements, the Caliber 4130 features a simplified design with fewer components. This not only makes it easier to service and maintain but also reduces the potential for malfunctions.

* Vertical Clutch: The vertical clutch mechanism ensures smooth and precise chronograph activation and deactivation, eliminating the jumping seconds hand often associated with lateral clutch systems. This contributes to a more refined and accurate chronograph experience.

* Column Wheel: The column wheel, a hallmark of high-end chronographs, provides smoother and more responsive operation of the chronograph functions. It allows for more precise engagement and disengagement of the various levers and gears within the chronograph mechanism.

* Parachrom Hairspring: The Parachrom hairspring, a Rolex innovation, provides exceptional resistance to magnetic fields, temperature variations, and shocks, ensuring consistent accuracy in a variety of conditions. This is a crucial feature for a watch designed for sporting activities.

* Robust Construction: The Caliber 4130 is built to withstand the rigors of daily wear. Its robust construction and high-quality materials ensure that it can withstand shocks, vibrations, and other environmental stresses.

Rolex Daytona 116520: A Timeless Icon Powered by the Caliber 4130

The Rolex Daytona 116520, produced from 2000 to 2016, is widely considered a modern classic. Its stainless steel construction, iconic design, and, most importantly, the reliable Caliber 4130 movement, have made it a highly desirable timepiece.