Rolex’s first automatic Daytona was introduced in 1988. Housing the iconic Zenith-based caliber 4030, it featured a larger case and was fitted with a sapphire crystal. The watch 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 “Cosmograph” floating below “Rolex Oyster Perpetual Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified”. This variant is known as the “floating dial”. During the model’s initial production years, the dials were made with white lacquer. However, most probably due to economic reasons, very few were made. A “tell-tale” sign of ‘porcelain dials’ is the three-dimensional appearance of the black graphics and slightly off-white color of the background.

This timepiece is fitted with an original early bezel, which is calibrated to 200 units. Still featuring the original case back sticker and exhibiting full proportions, the watch retains all its original accessories, such as the punched guarantee stating it was sold in Gstaad – a fitting location to don a luxurious and rare Cosmograph Daytona. It is also offered with a numbered sales tag and fitted presentation box.