Important Watches: Part I

Important Watches: Part I

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 60. 'Patrizzi Dial Zenith' Daytona, Ref. 16520, Stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and 'tropical' subsidiary dials Circa 1997 | 勞力士 | 16520型號「'Patrizzi Dial Zenith' Daytona」精鋼計時鍊帶腕錶配熱帶小錶盤,約1997年製.

Rolex

'Patrizzi Dial Zenith' Daytona, Ref. 16520, Stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and 'tropical' subsidiary dials Circa 1997 | 勞力士 | 16520型號「'Patrizzi Dial Zenith' Daytona」精鋼計時鍊帶腕錶配熱帶小錶盤,約1997年製

Auction Closed

November 10, 02:59 PM GMT

Estimate

26,000 - 50,000 CHF

Lot Details

Description

Rolex


'Patrizzi Dial Zenith' Daytona, Ref. 16520

Stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and 'tropical' subsidiary dials

Circa 1997


Dial: black

Calibre: cal. 4030 automatic, 31 jewels

Movement number: 

Case: stainless steel, screw-down back

Case number: U925939

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

Dimensions: 40 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 180 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Box: yes

Papers: yes

Accessories: Rolex warranty, instruction manual, numbered hang tag, COSC hang tag, envelope, bezel protector, and Rolex presentation box

After 25 years of manual winding Daytona, the introduction of the automatic reference 16520 was the most important evolution in the history of the celebrated model. The watch was completely redesigned and was fitted with the new calibre 4030 based on the Zenith El Primero. Even if the 16520 was produced for only a dozen years, the model saw several developments, mainly consisting in the layout of the dial. In fact, 5 different changes have been identified. 

This present lot belongs to the fourth evolution that corresponds to watches produced between the end of 1993 and 1998. The 4th series is recognizable with the introduction of new, flatter and bolder font for the numerals in the subsidiary dial as well as the 'straight 6' in the chronograph hour subsidiary dial.

For watch collectors, the patina of the dial plays a key role. More than a sign of authenticity, it reveals the passage of time, reflects the personal life of the timepiece and gives it a unique character and appeal. With the standardization of the watch production and the use of more stable components, most of the pieces produced after 1990 are lacking this essential aspect. This rule is also true for the famous Rolex chronograph. Nonetheless, there are a few exceptions, as demonstrated by the present specimen. Some of the 16520s fitted with a black dial produced between 1993 and 1997 have seen their silver chapter rings of their subsidiary dials changing color to a tropical brown shade. Sometimes referred to as a 'Patrizzi', each piece has a different patina, making them unique. Some are more appealing than others and enthusiasts will favor a warm, pronounced patina such as on the present watch.