Introduced in 2000, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116520 was the first model to house caliber 4130, a self-winding in-house chronograph movement by the firm replacing its predecessor Zenith movement. With steel examples produced in black and white dial it was an instant success upon its launch. Amongst the production run of the reference fitted with a white dial, a small batch with distinct quality were known to have potential of developing a cream colour change on the dial. The topicalization of this phenomenon would only occur on examples made between 2000 to 2002 with a P, K, or Y serials, thus very rare.

The present example bearing a P serial has develop a unique tanned vanilla hue with the test of time. Offered with its original guarantee and accessories, this “beautiful mistake” by the firm certainly boast its own desirable characteristic and is a highly collectible rare variant of the era.