Rolex Daytona Panna Dial 116520 Box & Papers

Introduction

Released in 2000 as a brand new generation of Daytona, the ref. 116520 featured much of the same unchanged design that the previous “Zenith” Daytona had, except for several relatively minor details. To begin with, the dial layout had changed slightly, so the running seconds subdial went from 9 o’clock to 6 o’clock, and the subdials were no longer in line with the center of the dial. Instead, they moved up slightly above the middle of the dial (running from 9 to 3 o’clock). Additionally, Rolex gave the new Daytona broader indices to accommodate more lume, longer lugs, and a mirror finish on the case flanks to differentiate the latest generation even further.

But, without doubt, the latest generation’s most significant upgrade was Rolex’s new (at the time) in-house automatic cal. 4130 chronograph movement. Designed to be ruthlessly efficient, it has just 201 parts – a 20% decrease from the previous movement, the cal. 4030, making for an even more reliable movement requiring even less servicing. Additionally, with more space freed to accommodate a larger mainspring, Rolex increased the power reserve from 50 to 72 hours. All in all, even for a 20+ year old movement, the cal. 4130 is an incredible movement even by today’s standards and fitting for the Daytona’s legendary legacy.

The Dial

Occurring only sporadically in some P, K, and Y-serial Daytona ref. 116520s spanning from 2000 to 2002, this example features the illustrious cream “Panna” dial whereby its bright white dial turned a shade of cream over the years as the paint aged.

The Set

Already offered in mint condition itself, this watch is also accompanied by everything it left the Rolex AD with in 2000 when its original owner purchased it.

Condition

Watch is in near-mint condition. Nice even ivory-toned dial. Case, bezel, and bracelet have light hairlines. Majority of caseback hologram sticker still present. Bracelet has 11 links, 3 of which are removable.