211 Rolex A rare and attractive, Daytona, automatic chronograph wristwatch in steel with tropical "Patrizzi" registers, with service and presentation box, reference 16520.
Estimate: € 25.000 – 50.000
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| model | Daytona |
|---|---|
| year | 1996 |
| reference | 16520 |
| case material | Stainless steel |
| case number | T139926 |
| bracelet material | Stainless steel Rolex bracelet, approximate length 205mm |
| movement type | Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels |
| dimension | 40mm Diameter |
| signed | Case, dial and movement |
| accessories | Accompanied by Rolex service dated 21st Dec. 2020, invoice, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. |
Among the many references in Rolex’s distinguished lineage of sports watches, the ref. 16520 occupies a most pivotal and celebrated place. Introduced in 1988, it marked the arrival of the self-winding era for the Daytona — now powered by a heavily reworked Zenith El Primero movement, the calibre 4030, refined to Rolex’s exacting standards. This reference was not merely an evolution in mechanics, but in design as well. With its enlarged 40mm Oyster case, sapphire crystal and engraved steel tachymeter bezel, it spoke to a new generation of collectors seeking functionality, modernity, and heritage in equal measure. But within the world of 16520s, there lies a rare and serendipitous anomaly — the so-called “Patrizzi” dial. Due to a particular organic varnish used on the sub-registers, some watches from S, N, T and W serial batches developed a rich, tropicalized brown tone on their subdials. The effect is entirely unpredictable and has made these early tritium-lumed examples some of the most visually arresting and collectible Daytonas in existence. The present example, bearing a "T" serial and dating to circa 1996, displays precisely this coveted transformation. Its original black dial is now warmed by three registers turned caramel in tone. Offered in great condition and fitted with a Rolex service warranty from December 2020, this Daytona is a triumph of accidental beauty, and an icon among icons.
Condition Report
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