ROLEX | A YELLOW GOLD DIAMOND SET AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH REGISTERS AND BRACELETREF 16528 CASE L703001 DAYTONA CIRCA 1988

Movement: cal 4030 automatic lever, 31 jewels Case: 18k yellow gold Oyster, bezel calibrated for 400 units, screw-down crown, pushers and backDial: champagne, applied Arabic numerals and diamond-set indexes,Bracelet/clasp/buckle: 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding claspDiameter: 40mm, bracelet circumference approx. 180mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: guarantee, booklets, card holder and presentation case

DIAL: hands with small scratches, sub-register at 9 with a scratch above the centre, register at 6 with several small marks CASE: with minor scratches throughout consistent with age of the timepiece and careful wear, one more noticeable scratch on the bottom left lug profile, minor scratches on the bezel, ink filling remains sharp and abundant, bracelet ref 78668 with scratches throughout and minor to no stretch - lug hallmarks remain crisp and sharp MOVEMENT: running at time of cataloguing, BRACELET: 78668 The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The 'Zenith Daytona' is today receiving a well-deserved recognition from the collector community.  Introduced as the first self-winding Daytona in 1988, it marked the most significant evolution in the 55 years-history of the revered chronograph. Thirty years later, its influence is still very present in the current model. 
The watch was produced in stainless steel, yellow gold and two-tone. In 1992, a gold version on leather strap was introduced (ref. 16518) followed by the white gold model (ref. 16519) in 1997. 

Over its twelve years of production, the model went through several evolutions, most noticeably its dial. The present lot is an early 'L-series' from 1989 and is beautifully complemented by a Mark III 'inverted 6' dial with diamond-set indexes circa 1991. This could be easily explained by the fact that the watch wasn't purchased before 1992, as confirmed by the original Rolex guarantee. Following Rolex's drive to offer their clients the latest innovation, the piece was fitted with this precious dial.