The term ‘tropical dial’ is used to describe any Rolex dial which turns into a different color (usually brown but sometimes in other colors too) due to the defects of the paint. Those with a beautiful tropical dial can usually fetch high prices. The Daytona is no exception. Vintage ones such as the 6263,6265, neo-vintage one like the 16520 Patrizzi are all very sought after by collectors as each of these tropical dials is unique. The ‘most modern’ tropical dial Daytona is probably the 116520 ‘Panna’ cream dial version.
It is believed that cream dials on 116520 are only found on P,K and Y series watches. The paint of the white dials has its defect that when the paint varnishes slowly, the dial color turns creamy bit by bit, making it collectible like other tropical Rolex watches.
What is more interesting is that it could well be the last tropical Rolex reference, at least for the Daytona line. We have not seen any dial that would in time change into a different color after the ‘Panna’ 116520.
Just like any other Daytona references, the first series is always the most collectible (or the last series, actually). The 116520 is no exception. For the ‘Panna’ dial, P series ones are among the best if you are to collect one of them. It is the first series produced in 2000, overlapping with its predecessor 16520. The production number of the P series should be less than the other two K, Y series as part of the P series production was for the 16520 Zenith Daytona. Likely the P series 116520 were only produced for half a year.
The price trend of the ‘Panna’ 116520, in the long run, is likely to go up due to its scarcity especially for the P series and those that have aged to a beautiful creamy hue. As creamier dials are way more expensive, it may be better to purchase those that have yet to turn very creamy so that your timepiece can appreciate in time as the dial turns creamier in time.
Ceramic is for tiles. Rolex should have never, ever used it on bezels. This is the last of the legends: better movements than the zeniths. No ceramics.
Ceramic is used for functional purpose I guess. But I would always prefer a non ceramic Daytona.