SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL COSMOGRAPH, DAYTONA MODEL, REF. 16520, CASE NO. U710297, CIRCA 1997

Unusual variation of the Daytona reference 16520, the present timepiece displays an attractive black dial with tropical chapter rings. Highly sought after by collectors, the tropicalization phenomenon can occur due to the reaction between the paint and atmospheric factors (oxygen, UV light etc). Involving the white chapter rings that surround the counters, the process may be present only on watches manufactured more or less between 1993 and 1997, most probably because of the paint used over these specific years.

Enhancing its rarity, the present chronograph has a serial number of U710297 which corresponds to the year 1997. Consequently, it can be deducted that this specific timepiece is one of the last reference 16520 with Mark IV dial having the possibility to have encountered a natural color change to its registers. Furthermore, the timepiece has a movement number 157’828 which is correct for the serial number and is allied to an extremely well preserved stainless steel case kept with the utmost care by a private Swiss collector. Very attractive example of the reference, the timepiece is furthermore offered with its original stainless steel case back stamped 16500, the correct bezel graduated to 400 units, 24-P402-0 screw down pushers and original stainless steel bracelet with deployant clasp.