Rolex Daytona 16528 'Porcelain'

Feast your eyes on one of the very first automatic Daytonas ever made; R-series with 'Porcelain' dial.

Rolex finally retired the vintage 6xxx series Daytonas with hand wound Valjoux movement and plexi crystals in 1988 and replaced them with the new and completely updated 16xxx series Daytonas. Up until the introduction of these new models, Daytonas weren’t very commercially viable. The 16xxx Daytonas were Rolex’ very first automatic chronographs. The watches also looked decidedly modern, with a larger 40mm case, crown guards, and a sapphire crystal. It was all it took for the Daytona craze to begin.

This ref. 16528 presents that classic Daytona look cased in solid 18K yellow gold with a matching 18K yellow gold engraved bezel and 18K yellow gold Oyster bracelet. The use of gold infuses the classic sporty chronograph with a luxurious look, which is further enhanced by the polished center links on the bracelet. All parts are all original factory installed and preserved in magnificent condition.

This ref. 16528 dates back to 1988, the very first year these "modern" Daytonas were produced. The watch is fitted with a highly sought after "Porcelain" dial; which is only found on the earliest Daytonas that fall within the serial number range beginning at R and ending at L6, with this watch featuring an R7 serial (and movement numbered 123xx). Most notably the dial is absolutely perfect, no blemishes, hairlines or text issues. Very important, as these dials stand out especially for their glossy finish and three dimensional look of the printed text. Another characteristic of these highly collectible early five-digit Daytonas is the floating ‘Cosmograph’ text, which appears to be printed separately from the preceding four lines of text on the dial. Finally, the watch features the period correct early tachymeter bezel that is calibrated to 200 units