RolexDaytona

Offered by a private collector, this 1996 Rolex Daytona ref. 16523 is accompanied by a new generation Rolex box (not original to the watch), an authenticity card provided by an independent jeweller, and a Rolex sleeve. The vendor advises the watch is in excellent order and has graded it ‘A’ for condition. The images appear consistent with that assessment, showing some signs of wear on the case and bracelet commensurate with age.

The “five-digit” Rolex Daytonas marked a major milestone in the history of the model line. Popularly known now as the “Zenith Daytona”, they were the first to feature self-winding movements. Rolex turned to the Zenith El Primero Calibre 400 - widely considered the best self-winding chronograph movement available on the market at the time.

In fact, Rolex heavily modified the El Primero movement, making some 200 changes to further improve reliability and ease of maintenance. This resulted in just 50% of the original movement remaining. The scarcity of Zenith El Primero movements, along with the amount of work required to enhance them to Rolex's specifications, resulted in limited availability of this series of Daytonas from the start.

This reference 16523 features a two-tone construction with a polished 18K yellow gold bezel, bracelet centre links, crown and pushers. The white dial is also embellished with precious metal in the form of yellow gold applique markers, hands and sub-registers. A touch of colour is introduced on the red “DAYTONA” script which is subtly curved around the 12-hour sub-register at 6 o’clock.

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