Rolex Daytona Ref. 16523 November 1999 - full set

Maker: Rolex
Model: Daytona
Reference: 16523
Year: A serial, purchased November, 1999
Material: Steel / Yellow Gold
Dimensions: 39 mm diameter; 12 mm thickness
Sapphire Crystal: Yes
Lume: Yes, luminova
Caliber: Caliber 4030 automatic-winding movement
Bracelet/Strap: Rolex Steel/Gold Oyster bracelet reference 78393 with end-links reference 403
Lug Width: 20 mm
Box/Papers: Full set - outer/inner box, guarantee holder, instruction papers, certificate of guarantee, hang tag, Rolex service papers from 2018, extra three links

The Rolex Daytona has reached legendary status in the watch collecting world and is widely considered to be one of the most desirable timepieces ever, regardless of being vintage or contemporary. It all started in 1963 when Rolex debuted the ref. 6239. The so-called "Cosmograph" was a chronograph with a tachymeter on the bezel and was originally marketed toward drivers. In 1988, Rolex introduced its first automatic chronograph, the "Zenith" Daytona ref. 16520. Based on Zenith's El Primero movement, this Rolex Daytona ushered in a new generation for the model line. While the nickname and base caliber refers back to the original maker, Rolex performed over 200 modifications to the movement, bringing it up to the brand's standard, to create their caliber 4030. The collect-ability and desirability of this Daytona generation seems to grow by the day with more and more collectors paying attention.

This particular "Zenith" Daytona is a A series ref. 16523 in two tone steel and yellow gold. As mentioned, "Zenith" Daytona is really on its way to becoming a vintage classic with the popularity growing by the day. With the steel 16520 surging in price and now out of reach for many collectors, the two tone 16523 may be the last "affordable" Zenith Daytona. 

This Daytona is in overall excellent, honest condition. The case is strong with minimal scratches and areas of warm patina around the gold. The patina seen on the yellow gold on the case and bracelet is very pleasing in the metal. The watch was probably lightly polished in the past when it was sent back to Rolex in 2018. The caseback has a no scratches and the numbers are visible between both sets of lugs. Correct hallmarks are all present. The dial is in fantastic condition. The lume is luminova. The gold base-400 bezel has aged beautifully. The Rolex Oyster bracelet is in overall very good condition with light scratches and very minor stretch between the links which is not uncommon.

The watch comes as a full set with its original outer/inner wooden box, certificate of guarantee, guarantee holder with instructions and translations, and hang tag. The watch was sent to Rolex in 2018 where it underwent a full service. The movement is currently running at +5.2 second/day at the upright position.

Ships from Japan