1991 Rolex Daytona Ref. 16520 "Zenith" Mk. 3 Patrizzi dial

The Rolex Daytona model, since its start of production, has been leading the forefront as the most desirable chronograph in production. This is due to the overall precision of Rolex manufacturing that seamlessly incorporates into the complexity of a chronograph watch. All previous Rolex chronographs were a manual wind, and not until 1988 did Rolex release the Ref. 16500, which features an automatic "self-winding" movement for their headliner sports watch.

Rolex didn't actually offer an in-house automatic chronograph movement in the Daytona line until 2000, Instead Rolex decided to outsource for their movement in this reference using the Zenith 400 movement originally manufactured for the "Zenith El-Primero. They used this movement as the basis then fortified it, performing approximately 200 modifications to the base movement to meet the prestigious expectations of the Wilsdorf group. As a result, the Rolex Ref. 16520 has adorned the nickname the "Zenith Daytona" as a result. The zenith based workhorse Rolex 4030 movement was in production for 12 years. In this reference Rolex also incorporated the more durable sapphire crystals, being a contributing factor to the increased depth rating guaranteed at 100m or 330ft.

Continuing to the appeal of this specific piece is the coveted 'Patrizzi' dial, a term that indicates the discolored sub-dial rings, a feature that is the result of the use of an organic varnish that let the silver elements of the dial to oxidize over time.  although one could look at this as an error in manufacturing by Rolex at teh time the 'Patrizzi' dials are becoming highly collectible and extremely desirable among the watch collecting community.

This specific reference holds dearly to an evolutionary era of the Rolex Daytona Chronographs, making for a highly collectible and gorgeous timepiece built to withstand generations of use. This specific piece is a stunning example making for a perfect statement piece in a casual setting or more subtly worn under a suit for any dress occasion.