Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1994 Reference No: 16520 inside, steel caseback stamped "16500" Movement No: 80'756 Case No: S727555 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Patrizzi" Material: Stainless Steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped "78390" and "503 B" to the endlinks, max length 205mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped "T6" and "78390" Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex punched Guarantee stamped by Thai Retailer "S.A.B. Limited" and dated October 12, 1994, product literature, calendar card for years 1994 and 1995, green document holder, faux-seal hangtag, plastic bezel protector, fitted presentation box and outer packaging
Catalogue Essay
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 16520 was initially launched in 1988 and became the company's first Daytona model to incorporate a self-winding caliber. Rolex chose the dependable Zenith El Primero, acknowledged as one of the best self-winding chronograph movements at that time, as the foundation, which they subsequently upgraded to develop their remarkable cal. 4030. Despite the constraints on production caused by the last out-sourced caliber, the ref. 16520 is currently one of the most popular Daytona models.
With an "S" serial number, this watch is one of the few highly sought-after pieces with "tropical" dials. The “Patrizzi” dial - exemplified by this piece - is without a doubt one of the most attractive and sought-after by collectors. In fact, 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. The three registers have turned into a stunning, deep "chocolate" brown hue. The type of lacquer applied during the manufacturing process has aged over time, and contributed to the unique “tropicalization” of certain S, T and W serial Daytonas' subsidiary dials.
The condition of the case corresponds to that of the dial. Obviously unpolished, hardly ever worn, and still retaining plastic protection ring and green sticker, it could be used to scholarly study how a 16520 case was when it originally left the factory.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.