1994 Rolex Daytona Inverted 6 Ref. 16518 (with Certificate)

The Inverted Six      - The so-called Zenith Daytona was firstly launched in 1988 as the first self-winding Daytona from Rolex sized at 40mm and featuring a Sapphire crystal. Because Rolex at that time wasn't able to master it themselves they introduced the watch with the Zenith Cal.4030 automatic movement. It was an upgraded version of the original El Primero Cal.400 with extensive modifications. The 16520 in stainless steel was the first reference launched with this movement and it was produced until year 2000 with around 5 different dial configurations. The full yellow gold reference 16528 was launched at the same time and produced until year 2000. In 1991 a new reference was launched, the 16528, which was the first Daytona offered on leather strap in 18K yellow gold, it was also the first Daytona ever to show a Racing dial with Arabic numerals. The example offered here is in very attractive overall condition. The case is strong and seems to have only lightly polished in the past if at all. The bezel seems to be unpolished and still retains all the enameling in the numerals in the Tachymetre Scale. The watch seems to only have been lightly worn as the green sticker on the case back is still fully present. The white dial with applied Arabic numerals is beautiful and features the rare 'Inverted Six' subdial marking it to be one of the earlier examples of this reference. The Tritium luminous on hands and indexes are original and have aged to a consistent cream color. The watch is fitted on a well retained brown Rolex Alligator strap with original 18K folding clasp. Last but not least this stunning example comes with the original punched Warranty Certificate issued in England. The 16518 was a sleeper for a very long time, only now the collecting community has realized that this is s precious reference. Looking at the condition it is safe to say that this is one of the best examples we ever offered for sale.