Rolex’s first automatic Daytona was introduced in 1988, housing the iconic Zenith-based caliber 4030. The model featured a larger, 40mm case and was also the brand’s first chronograph fitted with a sapphire crystal. This new Daytona immediately became a cult classic and garnered an immediate waiting list at Rolex retailers. The gold version reference 16528 was a luxurious alternative to its stainless steel counterpart reference 16520.

First generation examples like the present watch displayed the “Cosmograph” designation separated and floating below the “Rolex Oyster Perpetual Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” text at 12 o’clock. This variant is known as the “floating dial”. During the model’s initial production years, the dials were made with white lacquer. A key feature of so-called ‘porcelain dials’ is the three-dimensional appearance of the black graphics and slightly off-white color of the dial’s background. However, probably due to the most likely high costs associated with their production, very few were made. This timepiece is also fitted with its original early bezel, which is calibrated to 200 units, and like early examples, the dial has an inverted “6” on the 12-hour register.

The present example from 1988 has an attractive case with full proportions and crisp hallmarks. The dial is well preserved and free from any visible defects. Rolex’s Daytona is a horological icon today, and these early versions are highly sought after. Furthermore, it’s offered as a complete set, accompanied with its original, punched guarantee and inner and outer boxes. This is a rare opportunity to one of the most sought after, first-generation automatic Daytona chronographs.