ROLEX | DAYTONA FOUR LINES, REFERENCE 16528 YELLOW GOLD CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET CIRCA 1988

Dial: black Calibre: cal. 4030 automatic, 31 jewels Movement number: 13’209 Case: 18ct yellow gold Oyster, screw-down crown, pushers and back Case number: R’983’961 Closure: 18ct yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding clasp Dimensions: 40mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 190mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

DIAL: in overall good condition, some extremely discrete bubbles from ageing to the center of the 6 and 9 o'clock subdials only visible under magnification. Luminescent material remains intact. Hour hand shows more patination. Minute hand starting to patinate towards center of the dial. CASE: with scratches and marks throughout consistent with wear and age of the piece, heavy discolouration on top right lug all the way to the crown, with some rubbing to the profile of the case at 9, the case has been polished, hallmarks are clearly visible under the lugs, bezel is worn and rubbed, especially between 7 and 10 o'clock, the color inside the number of the tachymeter scale is almost completely gone. The sapphire crystal bears deep scratches and marks. Caseback inside engraved 16500. Bracelet: ref.: 78668 / M8. With light scuffs throughout. 3 links of the bracelet have a brushed finish on the sides rather than the usual polished finish. Clasp has been polished. MOVEMENT: running at time of cataloguing, chronograph starts, stops and resets to zero. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Between 1988 and 2000, Rolex produced the first automatic version of the Daytona, the reference 16520. The 40mm sports chronograph relied on a Zenith El Primero caliber, extensively modified by Rolex and named the cal. 4030. Over the course of its 12-year life, the reference 16520 was produced in 5 different series and available in stainless steel, yellow gold, white gold as well as a bi-colour version.
The present 16528 'R series' is from late 1988. This lot combines two most attractive and collectible features. Firstly, it is fitted with its original first series bezel calibrated to 200 units. Furthermore, it bears an early and correct second series 4 lines dial with inverted 6 to the hour register.
In addition, this early reference 16528 is mounted on a yellow gold Oyster bracelet bearing the early clasp with no safety lock. The case displays some oxidation marks around the upper chronograph pusher, combining dark blue hues with the warm tone of the yellow gold. This rare early Zenith Daytona is a great piece for any Rolex collection.