RolexDaytona

Offered by a private collector, this Rolex Daytona ‘Patrizzi’ ref. 16520 is accompanied by a Rolex box. The watch shows some wear to the case, bezel, lugs and bracelet commensurate with the age, and its condition appears to be within the bounds of the vendor’s ‘A’ grading. The attached stainless steel Oyster bracelet is stamped with reference number 78390 and has 503B end links.

Produced between 1988 and 2000, the Rolex Daytona ref. 16520 marked a significant milestone in the history of the model line. Popularly known now as the “Zenith Daytona”, it was the first self-winding Daytona reference. Rolex turned to the Zenith El Primero Calibre 400 - widely considered the best self-winding chronograph movement available on the market at the time.

These Zenith powered Daytonas were available with a black and white dial, and across the lifespan, several different dial variations or “Marks”. Among the most valuable today are the black Mark IV versions, as we see here. For several years in the mid-90s, an organic varnish called Zapon was applied, which did not provide sufficient protection, causing the silver tracks on the sub-dials to oxidise and turn a distinctive brown colour. Adding to the desirability of these dials is that each one is unique based on the level of oxidation. Colloquially known as “Patrizzi”, these watches have been named after Osvaldo Patrizzi, a watchmaker and restorer who first noticed this colour change. 

This watch represents a rare and attractive feature on an already highly sought after watch and continues to grow in popularity amongst collectors.

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