Rolex
Daytona 'Inverted 6 Zenith', Reference 16528 | A yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet | Circa 1990
Lot Closed
May 13, 12:53 PM GMT
Estimate
15,000 - 30,000 CHF
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
Dial: white
Calibre: cal. 4030 automatic, 31 jewels
Movement number: 35'565
Case: 18k yellow gold, screw-down case back
Case number: E'266'516
Closure: 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 185 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: none
The Rolex Daytona is one of the most iconic chronographs in watchmaking.
The automatic “Zenith” generation has become particularly sought after among collectors.
Introduced in 1988, the new Cosmograph Daytona marked a major turning point as the first automatic version of the model. Its immediate success led to strong demand and waiting lists, firmly establishing its status as a modern classic.
Powered by the calibre 4030, a Rolex-modified version of the famous Zenith El Primero developed by Rolex, it became one of the most reliable automatic chronographs of its era and introduced a contemporary 40mm case design.
Produced in stainless steel (16520), steel and gold (16523), and yellow gold (16528) as in the present example, the reference evolved subtly through its production, with early “inverted 6” dials being especially desirable.
Dated to circa 1990, the present example bears serial number E266516 and retains strong, well-preserved proportions. The watch shows visible signs of wear throughout, yet is most likely unpolished, preserving the integrity of its original case geometry—an increasingly sought-after trait among collectors.