Rolex

Among the rarest and most desirable automatic Daytona models, the white gold Reference 16519 with a salmon dial holds a special allure for collectors. The salmon dial, with its warm and distinctive hue, is one of the rarest configurations for the so-called “Zenith” Daytonas, creating an elegantly striking contrast with the refined white gold case. Typically, the Reference 16519 was outfitted with mother-of-pearl dials, making the salmon variant an exceptional anomaly. To date, only four known examples have surfaced at international auctions, further heightening its exclusivity and appeal to discerning collectors.

Introduced in 1988, the automatic Cosmograph Daytona revitalized the Daytona line, becoming an icon in its own right. Its importance in Rolex’s history cannot be overstated, as it was the first Daytona to feature an automatic movement. Reference 16520 marked the inaugural steel version, while the white gold iteration received the designation 16519. Both models were equipped with solid metal tachymeter bezels and durable sapphire crystals. At the heart of these watches was the heavily modified Zenith El Primero Caliber 4030, which Rolex enhanced with over 200 modifications to meet its exacting standards, earning these watches the nickname “Zenith Daytona.”

The salmon dial version of the 16519 remains an enigmatic treasure. Speculation abounds regarding its origins, with theories ranging from it being a prototype for a dial color that never reached full production to a bespoke design crafted for VIP clients. Regardless of its intended purpose, the salmon dial’s rarity and beauty have cemented its status as one of the ultimate prizes in the world of automatic Cosmograph Daytonas. It embodies exclusivity, exceptional craftsmanship, and enduring elegance.