Launched in 1988, the “new” Cosmograph Daytona with automatic movement immediately became a sensation: waiting lists mounted in many retailers, and as a result of such remarkable success there was a rediscovered interest in the manually wound models, marking the beginning of Daytona collecting.

The model was available in steel (16520), in steel and gold (16523), and the present all-gold version reference 16528. By the 1990s, both Rolex as a company and the public perception of the brand had evolved past the original “professional watches company” image and fully embraced the luxury market.

Powered by the cal. 4030, a Rolex modified Zenith El Primero movement, it was the most reliable self-winding chronograph movement available in the market at the time. Early examples of the reference featured the rare and desirable “inverted 6” dial, such as the present lot. The most probably unpolished case has developed a rosy patina from lack of wear and use, and the monochromatic gold livery offers a warmth and flamboyance highly desired by collectors.