First released in 1988, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 16520 was the firm’s first Daytona model to feature a self-winding caliber. The reliable Zenith El Primero, considered as one of the best self-winding chronograph movements at the time, was chosen as the base, which Rolex further upgraded to achieve their remarkable cal. 4030. Discontinued in 2000, it was replaced by the reference 116520 featuring Rolex’s first in-house self-winding chronograph movement.

The “Patrizzi” dial - exemplified by this piece - is without a doubt one of the most attractive and sought-after by collectors. It can be considered one of the most visually striking dial variations found on the model, merging the rarity and intellectual appeal of a rare dial with the unbridled aesthetic appeal granted by the darkened counters. In fact, these dials are the result of a defect: some batches of the varnish used at the time by Rolex present chemical instability, which, due to reaction with outside agents (UV, moisture, etc.), made them darken over time. It appears that such a peculiarity can only be found on examples bearing a S,N,T and W (such as the present watch) serials and only on some examples from these series rather than all of the production. As the darkening of the rings stems from a natural oxidation process, the final result varies noticeably from watch to watch both in texture and in color, ranging from a shade of ivory in some cases to near pitch-black in others, from a marbled/spotted appearance to a perfectly uniform one.

Preserved in excellent condition, it is furthermore accompanied by its Rolex guarantee dated July 29, 1995, product literature, numbered tag, additional link, presentation box and outer packaging.