Rolex Daytona 116520 'Panna Dial'
SoldRolex Daytona 116520 'Panna Dial'
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It’s time for an ‘Automatic Daytona Only’ thematic drop this week!Tropicalized watches, watches of which the dials have discolored in an aesthetically pleasing way due to natural processes, are highly favored by collectors. It is highly unlikely that any modern luxury watch will become tropical as production processes and material sciences have improved. But there are exceptions to any rule. Due to the varnish used on the 116520 Daytonas from the period 2000-2004, some of the white dial turns into a pleasant creamy color similar to the highly desirable early ref. 16550 Explorer IIs. These tropical Daytonas are referred to as ‘Panna’ dials, after the Italian word for cream (think of a delicious panna cotta!).This 116520 is a late execution of a ‘Panna’ Daytona, dating back to 2004. The dial has turned into a warm creamy white color, while the original silvered sub-dials have taken on a wonderful champagne hue. The watch is in honest condition, with a thick case and tight Oyster bracelet that contain some scratches and minor nicks. The watch comes as a full set, with original box and papers included.
Introduction
Rolex Cosmograph DaytonaRolex started making chronographs in the 1930s, but it was only in 1963 that a named product line was introduced: the Cosmograph. In some early advertisements, Rolex referred to the watch as the ‘Le Mans’ after the famous race track in France, although the name never appeared on the dial. After a few years, the line was officially renamed Cosmograph Daytona, after the racetrack in Florida.The most noticeable difference between these Cosmograph (Daytona) models and earlier Rolex chronographs was the tachymeter scale (used for measuring distance and speed) that was moved from its traditional placement on the dial to the bezel. Furthermore, the dial was updated with the introduction of contrasting sub-dials.It's hard to imagine now, but Daytonas received little love after their release. Most Daytonas languished in dealer displays for years and only started to get noticed by Italian collectors and dealers in the late 1980s. Nowadays, Daytonas are among the most sought after Rolex models, fetching prices from $20,000 for modern ones to many millions for rare vintage references. A big contrast with the $210 list price when it was first released!
Specifications
- SKU 5949
- Bezel material
- Boxed
- Bracelet
- Caliber
- Case Dimensions
- Case Material
- Clasp
- Dial
- Documents
- Glass
- Index
- Model
- Movement
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Reference
116520
- Year