Rolex Reference 16520 'Patrizzi Dial Zenith' Daytona | A stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with tropical subsidiary dials, Circa 1993 | 勞力士 型號 16520 'Patrizzi Dial Zenith' Daytona 精鋼自動上鏈計時腕錶備棕色小秒盤，製作年份約 1993

Property of an American Gentleman
Rolex

Reference 16520 'Patrizzi Dial Zenith' Daytona
A stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with tropical subsidiary dials, Circa 1993

勞力士 型號 16520 'Patrizzi Dial Zenith' Daytona
精鋼自動上鏈計時腕錶備棕色小秒盤，製作年份約 1993

Dial: black, tropical
Caliber: cal. 4030 automatic, 31 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw down case back
Case number: S'817'330
Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference is approximately 190 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: Rolex presentation box with outer packaging, Official Chronometer Certification (undated), leather bi-fold, booklets, and hang tags

Condition Report:
Case: The case is in overall very good condition with light signs of use and some minor nicks. A small nick on the bottom pusher. The bracelet is in overall very good condition and has been previously lightly polished. The bracelet is stamped '78390', end links stamped '503 B', and clasp stamped 'T8'. The bezel with a plastic bezel protector.

Dial: The dial is in overall excellent condition. The registers have aged to an attractive tropical brown color.

Movement: The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.

Catalogue Note:
After 25 years of a manual winding Daytona, the introduction of the automatic reference 16520 was the most important evolution in the history of this celebrated model. The watch was completely redesigned and was fitted with the new caliber 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.

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. However, there are a few exceptions, as demonstrated by the present specimen. Some of the 16520s fitted with a black Mark IV dial produced between 1993 and 1997 have seen their silver chapter rings of their subsidiary dials changing color to a tropical brown shade. Referred as a Patrizzi dial, named after Osvaldo Patrizzi who was the first to discover this distinctive aging, each piece has a different patina, making them unique. Some are more appealing than others and enthusiasts will favor a rich, pronounced patina such as the present lot. Its subsidiary dials have turned into a harmonious and deep brown patina that is immediately captivating and recognizable while remaining unique.