Introduced in 1988, the Rolex Daytona reference 16528 marked a bold evolution for the iconic chronograph—ushering in the era of automatic movements and solid gold opulence. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, it was part of the first series of Daytona models to feature the self-winding Zenith El Primero-based calibre 4030, together with its stainless steel, and steel&gold models 16520 and 16523. Among the early examples of these models, the so-called “4-liner” dial—with just four lines of text below the 12 o’clock marker—is a highly collectible rarity. It appears usually in the L serial range, after the earliest floating dials (featuring five lines of text, but the fifth one removed from the other 4 by markedly larger spacing) and before the later standard five liners. It appears that Rolex could not live for more than a few months without making sure the world knows their movements are “Officially Certified”.

The 4-liner dial offers a cleaner, more balanced aesthetic that appeals to purists and collectors alike. Often paired with glossy black or white dials and contrasting sub-registers, these early executions exude a minimalist refinement that sets them apart from later models. Combined with the full yellow gold case, screw-down pushers, and matching Oyster bracelet, the result is a striking and historically significant watch at the intersection of tool and luxury.

Early 16528s with 4-line dials are increasingly coveted for their transitional status and extreme scarcity. As the first automatic, all-gold Daytona, the reference 16528 holds a key place in Rolex’s chronograph legacy. The present example of this coveted model is not only offered complete of its original 1991 Warranty, but also with a Rolex service invoice dated 2022.