Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Monaco, Dec 12, 2025

LOT 171

ROLEX, SWITZERLAND, REF. 16520, DAYTONA PATRIZZI

EUR 25,000 - 50,000

CHF 23,300 - 46,600 / HKD 226,000 - 452,000 / USD 29,000 - 58,000 / JPY 4,530,000 - 9,060,000

An outstanding and highly collectible stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with black “patrizzi” dial, featuring naturally aged brown registers, accompanied by its original box, punched papers, and daytona booklet circa 1995


Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2-6

Very good

Slightly oxidized

Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 2-6-01

Very good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Brand Rolex, Switzerland

Model DAYTONA PATRIZZI

Reference 16520

Year 1995

Movement No. 159082

Case No. W588291

Bracelet stainless steel Rolex bracelet (78390A), approx. overall length 185mm.

Diameter 40

Caliber 4030, 31 jewels

Signature dial, case and movement

Accessories original rolex box and punched warranty and booklet

Notes

The present watch is an exceptional example of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 16520, part of the early Zenith El Primero–based automatic Daytona era, powered by the calibre 4030 movement. Produced during the W-series (circa 1995), it displays the highly coveted “Patrizzi” dial, a natural oxidation process affecting the lacquer of the sub-dials, turning them from black to warm chocolate brown over time.

This aging phenomenon is unique to certain batches of black dials produced between 1993 and 1998, making every “Patrizzi” Daytona truly individual and distinctive. The present example shows a superb and even tropical brown tone across all three registers, perfectly balanced against the glossy black surface and luminous white text.
The case remains exceptionally well-preserved, retaining sharp edges, defined bevels, and crisp Rolex coronet engravings between the lugs.

Accompanied by its original green Rolex box, punched guarantee papers, and Cosmograph Daytona booklet, this piece is a complete and untouched full set, exactly as delivered in 1995.

A superb and investment-grade Rolex Daytona Ref. 16520 “Patrizzi Dial”, combining immaculate preservation, original documentation, and the natural beauty of its aged brown registers, an absolute icon of the transitional Zenith-powered Daytona era.

Provenance

Property of a french gentleman