Watch Ref.: 40mm Rolex “Zenith” Two-Tone Gold Daytona 16523
WD Stock Number: FPC1154
Dial Type / Colour: Black Tritinova Dial
Series / Year: A Series / June 1999
Condition: Well Used
Warranty: In-House 1 Year Movement Warranty
Stock Location: FEP 03-111
Remarks: Full Set with Outer Box, Green Box, Booklets, Warranty Cert, Red Tag and Green Serial Tag
In 1988, Rolex phased out the vintage 6xxx series Daytonas, which featured the manually-wound Valjoux movement and acrylic crystals. In their place, Rolex introduced the redesigned 165xx series Daytona. This second-generation model boasted a modern 40 mm steel case, sapphire crystal, a sleek glossy dial, and a significantly updated Zenith El Primero self-winding movement.
The Zenith-powered Daytonas had a brief production span of only ten years before Rolex introduced its first in-house chronograph movement in 2000. This limited production period has made the Zenith Daytonas relatively rare.
This particular final A Series production 16520 sold in June 1999, represents one of the final iterations of the Zenith Daytona. Notably, these late-model 16520s features a rare transitional 'Tritinova' Luminova dial. These unique dials were produced for less than a year, blending Luminova with previously marked "SWISS - T < 25" dials meant for Tritium. It’s also fitted with solid end-links on its bracelet distinguishing them from earlier models that used hollow end links.
This two-tone gold example showcases a glossy black dial & rich coloured champagne yellow sub dials. It is fitted with the original MKIII bezel, marked by the "units per hour" engraving at the 1 o’clock position and the "240" marking, omitting the earlier "225" and "250" markers. Complete with its Hong Kong warranty certificate dated June 1999, this is one heart-racing timepiece you should not miss!
