Important Watches: Part I
Important Watches: Part I
Rolex
Retailed by Tiffany & Co.: Daytona ‘Inverted 6 Zenith’, Reference 16523 | A stainless steel and yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet | Circa 1991
Auction Closed
May 11, 11:29 AM GMT
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Dial: gilt
Calibre: cal. 4030 automatic winding, 31 jewels
Case: 18k yellow gold and stainless steel, screw-down case back
Case number: X’491’300
Closure: 18k yellow gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 185 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Papers: no
Box: no
Accessories: none
The Rolex 16523, affectionately known among collectors as the "Zenith Daytona," owes its nickname to the Zenith caliber 4030 movement ticking inside. This remarkable caliber holds a unique place in Rolex history—it is the last time the brand outsourced a movement for its chronograph family and also the first automatic movement ever housed in a Daytona.
At a time when Rolex was not yet the fortress of full in-house production we know today, the Zenith Daytona stands as a fascinating chapter in the history is the Swiss manufacturer —a collaboration era when specialised suppliers brought their expertise to each component.
Coveted by collectors for its rarity and story, we are proud to offer this exceptional Zenith Daytona featuring the much sought-after Tiffany & Co. signature making the present lot exceptionally rare.