Rolex Daytona 16523 Zenith

Rolex Daytona 16523 – Zenith Era – Black Diamond Dial – Unpolished – 2000 – Bicolor Brilliance with Papers

Here’s a rare opportunity to own a true icon from the Zenith era of Rolex chronographs: the Daytona Ref. 16523, presented in stunning, unpolished condition with its original papers, and featuring a factory black dial set with diamond hour marker, a configuration as striking as it is scarce.

Produced in the final stretch of the Zenith-powered Daytonas before Rolex transitioned to fully in-house movements, this 2000 example carries the legendary Caliber 4030, based on the Zenith El Primero, arguably one of the most celebrated automatic chronograph movements ever made. Rolex modified it extensively for improved durability and lower beat rate (36,000 → 28,800 vph), making it uniquely their own.

The 16523 pairs stainless steel with 18k yellow gold in a perfectly balanced two-tone design. This example retains its original, unpolished case with sharp chamfers, strong crown guards, and crisp engravings, an increasingly difficult find in today’s market. The matching bicolor Oyster bracelet shows honest, even wear, with full gold center links and solid end links (SEL), marking it as a later and more desirable execution of this reference.

The real showstopper is the factory black dial with diamond markers, a configuration that blends sport and luxury in a way only Rolex can. Subdials are framed in gold, with sunken concentric rings adding depth and contrast. The diamonds are precisely set and add just the right amount of edge to the otherwise tool-oriented aesthetic.

Condition: Excellent, unpolished. Case shows light wear but retains factory lines and surfaces. Dial is flawless. Bracelet exhibits minor stretch consistent with age. Chronograph functions properly, and movement runs smoothly within spec.

Includes original Rolex papers (dated 2000). No box included, but this documented, unmolested example stands out on its own merits.

Terms & Information

We provide a 1-year warranty (or valid manufacturer warranty) for any mechanical failures.
We ship worldwide via UPS, FedEx, or DHL.

Payment options:
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