Rolex Daytona 16523 Dark Grey Dial 40mm

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona – Ref. 16523

Two-Tone • Zenith Movement • Extremely Rare Slate Dial

Unworn 1998 Example • Full Collector’s Set • Factory Caseback Sticker Intact

Offered for sale is an exceptionally rare and investment-grade Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 16523, featuring the highly coveted slate (steel-grey) dial—one of the rarest and most desirable dial variants produced during the Zenith era of the Daytona.

This outstanding example dates to 1998 and remains completely unworn, preserved in original, safe-kept condition with the factory blue Rolex caseback sticker still fully intact. Finding a Zenith-era Daytona in this state, especially in two-tone configuration and with a rare dial, is extraordinarily uncommon.

Key Details

1. Model: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
2. Reference: 16523
3. Year: 1998
4. Case Material: Stainless steel & 18 ct yellow gold
5. Movement: Rolex Calibre 4030 (Zenith-based automatic chronograph)
6. Dial: Extremely rare slate / sunburst steel-grey dial
7. Bezel: Fixed 18 ct yellow gold tachymeter bezel
8. Bracelet: Two-tone Oyster bracelet (steel & 18 ct yellow gold)
9. Crystal: Sapphire
10. Condition: Unworn, factory-preserved, caseback sticker intact

Condition Report

This watch is preserved at a museum-level standard, remaining exactly as it left the Rolex boutique in 1998:

1. Original Rolex blue factory caseback sticker intact
2. No wear to case, bezel, bracelet, clasp, crown, or pushers
3. Factory-sharp chamfers, edges, and original brushing fully present
4. Slate dial is flawless with no aging, discoloration, or lume degradation
5. Bracelet remains tight with no stretch
6. Movement operates precisely and correctly

One of the cleanest and most original examples currently known.

Complete 1998 Collector’s Set

The watch is accompanied by a complete and fully original full set, including:

1. Original Rolex warranty certificate
2. Matching serialized hang tag
3. Rolex red chronometer seal
4. Original Rolex wooden presentation box (highly collectible)
5. Outer Rolex green box
6. Original booklets and documentation

A full set of this depth and originality is exceptionally rare for a mid-1990s Zenith Daytona.

Why This Example Matters

1. Slate-dial 16523 Daytonas were produced in very limited numbers and are now among the most sought-after Zenith references
2. Powered by the historically significant Rolex Calibre 4030, derived from the Zenith El Primero
3. Unworn condition with factory sticker intact places this firmly in investment-grade territory
4. Complete full set, including wooden box, substantially enhances long-term collectability
5. Zenith Daytonas continue to see strong appreciation, with rare dial variants leading the market

Final Remarks

This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to acquire an untouched, unworn, full-set Rolex Daytona 16523 Zenith with one of the rarest dial configurations ever offered.

A true cornerstone piece for the serious collector.

Worldwide insured shipping available.

Serious inquiries only.