Rolex Daytona 16523

1990 Rolex Zenith Cosmograph Daytona 16523 Inverted 6 Champagne Dial Watch

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference 16523, with the collectible "inverted 6" champagne dial. The 16523 is the two-tone Zenith Daytona, powered by the caliber 4030, Rolex's heavily modified version of the Zenith El Primero automatic chronograph. Rolex applied roughly 200 modifications to the base movement, including reducing the beat rate to 28,800 vph and adding their own escapement. The 4030 powered the Daytona from 1988 until the fully in-house 4130 took over in 2000. The "inverted 6" dial is a factory variant where the numeral 6 on the 12-hour sub-dial was printed upside down, reading as a 9. This is one of the more collectible Zenith Daytona dial configurations. The champagne dial features gold-outlined sub-dials: small seconds at 9, 30-minute counter at 3, and 12-hour counter at 6. This is an E-serial example from 1990, making it early production for the Zenith Daytona. The 40mm Rolesor case has an 18k yellow gold tachymeter bezel, screw-down pushers, and Triplock crown. Bracelet, clasp, and end links are all period correct. Specifications: Reference: 16523 Serial: E (1990) Case: Stainless steel with 18K yellow gold bezel, 40mm Movement: Caliber 4030, automatic (Rolex-modified Zenith El Primero base), 28,800 vph, COSC certified Dial: Champagne with "inverted 6," gold-outlined sub-dials, luminous hour markers Bezel: 18K yellow gold, fixed, engraved tachymeter scale Crystal: Sapphire Water resistance: 100m Bracelet: Two-tone Oyster (stainless steel and 18K yellow gold), period correct clasp and end links, max 7.25" wrist Includes: Watch only. No box or papers. See photos. Happy to provide additional photos or answer questions.