Launched in 2000, the ref. 116520 was Rolex’s first Cosmograph Daytona model featuring their first in-house self-winding cal. 4130. Replacing the former ref. 16520, the new model featured much of a similar aesthetic as the previous model powered by a Zenith El Primero based caliber. Considered as one of the major breakthrough of the firm in recent times, the ref. 116520 was immediately popular amongst collectors and were highly in demand since their initial launch. With most believing that examples fitted with a black dials are arguably more valuable, a very few examples with a white dial featured a natural defect developed over time further heightening its rarity and collectability.

Between 2000 and 2002, examples bearing a series P,K and few Y developed a change in hue from brilliant white to a creamy hue with the intensity of the color change developed at random. The present K series example features a beautiful and intense creamy dial developed in uniformed fashion with also a hint of tropicalization developed on all three subsidiary dials which were originally silver to a brass-like hue. Sold by a local Hong Kong retailer, the present example is charmed by its original punched guarantee dated 30th December 2002 and its original presentation box.