Rolex Reference 16520 'Patrizzi Dial Zenith' Daytona | A stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with tropical subsidiary dials, Circa 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
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 tagsRolex Rolex Reference 16520 'Patrizzi Dial Zenith' Daytona | A stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with tropical subsidiary dials, Circa 1993
Reference 16520 'Patrizzi Dial Zenith' Daytona | A stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with tropical subsidiary dials, Circa 1993
Estimate:
40,000 - 60,000 USD Property of an American Gentleman
Rolex
Reference 16520 'Patrizzi Dial Zenith' Daytona
A stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with tropical subsidiary dials, Circa 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.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The online condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance purposes only. The images of the lot also form part of the online condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Any reference to condition in the online condition report does not amount to a full description of condition. The online condition report may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the online condition report of the lot or shown in the online images of the lot (for example, the online condition report may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome). Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. The online condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation but rather the online condition report is a statement of subjective, qualified opinion (for example, information regarding colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact). Please also note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and wrist bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. In addition, certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot (for example, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades). For these reasons, the online condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. Prospective buyers should also refer to the Buying at Auction guide which includes important notices concerning the type of property in this sale. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species. Please be advised that wristbands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE/BUSINESS APPLICABLE TO THE RESPECTIVE SALE. 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.
