Rolex
Cosmograph Daytona "Patrizzi"

The Cosmograph Daytona ref.16520 is a milestone in the history of Rolex chronographs thanks to its automatic calibre 4030 on a Zenith base and its new, larger case with increased water resistance.

Around the mid-1990s, it is believed that some batches belonging to the S, N, T and W series were accidentally made using a Zappon varnish for the sub-registers.

This type of varnish changed colour over time from white to light brown and then to dark brown. In tribute to the Italian auctioneer who discovered this detail, they were nicknamed 'Patrizzi'.

Since then, interest in these 'defective' dials - now extremely collectable - has grown so much that nowadays, it has become a decisive feature to look at when buying the first series of Rolex Daytona 16520.

This example is in like-new condition, complete with the original box set and warranty dated 1994, making it one of the best examples on the market. If a Patrizzi is the most desirable of the 16520s, this is definitely the Patrizzi to have.