
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Rolex Light Patrizzi Zenith Daytona, ref. 16520, 1999
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex (maker)
- Date
- 1999
- Historical period
- Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- Stainless Steel
- Stock no.
- A926477–
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Grey & Patina (A926477–)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1999 Rolex 16520 Light Patrizzi Zennith Daytona (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Grey & Patina (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number A926477–), this is a wristwatch by Rolex, made in Switzerland, dated 1999. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: Stainless Steel. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Grey & Patina
The 16520 can be considered the 993 generation Porsche of the Daytona line up. It has a robust Zenith chronograph movement and was the first 40mm Daytona to be introduced to the Rolex line up. The black dial has beautiful golden subdials that are often referred to as Patrizzi . This effect turns these subdials from a silver color to a warmer patina that ranges from Champagne to espresso brown. The case is in excellent shape and the lume on the dial is a light cream luminova dial which is correct for this 99 production A series watch. This series also features Solid end links and to some collectors is the best variant of the Zenith Daytona because of its more solid modern feel with vintage era looks. Dial: Black light patrizzi Insert: Steel Case: Excellent condition case. SEL bracelet Bracelet: 78390
Historical context
Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.
Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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