1994 Rolex Daytona Patrizzi Ref. 16520

The Patrizzi Daytona        - The Rolex Daytona has always been and will always remain the King of the Sports models and was initially racing inspired. It was in 1987 that Rolex introduced the first self winding Chronograph watch and at that time was not able to manufacture an in-house movement for it. It was fitted with a modified Zenith El Primero movement and today is nicknamed as 'Zenith Daytona'. The stainless steel reference 16520 was produced over a period of ca 12 years and was offered with white and black dials. A small number of the early black dials had a production flaw which resulted in the color change of the initially beige sub dials. This phenomenon was discovered by Osvaldo Patrizzi after whom these dials are named today. The value and desirability of these dials lies in the darkness, shade and consistency  of the discolorations. Further the phenomenon of the Patrizzi dial is known to appear only until the mid 90s as the production fault was probably rectified by Rolex. This very example dates back to 1994/1995 and has a mint black Tritium dial with evenly aged dark brown sub dials. The aging is perfect and creates a very attractive look. The case and bracelet are in great condition, this is really an awesome watch. Don't go just for a light color change which in our opinion doesn't deserve to be called Patrizzi, go for the real chocolate color.