First released in 1988, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 16520 was the firm’s first Daytona model to feature a self-winding caliber. The reliable Zenith El Primero, considered as one of the best self-winding chronograph movements at the time, was chosen as the base which Rolex further upgraded to achieve their remarkable caliber 4030. Discontinued in 2000, it was replaced by the reference 116520 featuring Rolex’s first in-house self-winding chronograph movement. Fitted with the last out-sourced caliber - which also put some constraints on the production, as Zenith was only able to deliver so many movements per year - reference 16520 is today one of the most popular Daytona references, combining a modern 40mm case with vintage charm and eternal practicality.

The tropical dial variants are without a doubt some of the most attractive and sought-after by collectors. In fact, it can be considered one of the most visually striking dial variations found on the model, merging the rarity and intellectual appeal of a rare dial with the unbridled aesthetic appeal granted by the darkened counters. It appears that such a peculiarity can only be found on examples bearing a S,N,T and W serials, and only on some examples from these series.

As the darkening of the subdial rings stems from a natural oxidation process, the result varies enormously from watch to watch both in texture and in color, ranging from a light shade of tan in some cases, to near pitch-black in other. Arguably, the present watch represents one of the most appealing examples of tropical dial 16520 to grace an auction room. It features a perfectly even dark mocha hue, granting the watch the infamous name of “Darth Vader”. The dark brown aging is so complementary to the black dial color, one might think they are looking at the original Rolex design.

Its incredible, “new old stock” condition matches, if not surpasses, that of the dial, making it amongst the best-preserved examples appearing publicly. Never worn, and still retaining plastic protection ring and its perfectly intact, factory green caseback sticker, it could be used to scholarly study how a 16520 case and bracelet appeared when originally delivered by Rolex. It is further enhanced by being a complete set, with original boxes, and punched guarantee papers.