A watch that needs no introduction, taken to the next level. This reference 16528 really ticks all the boxes, “Zenith Daytona”, the collector favorite white dial with black subdial inlays, inverted 6, 18-carat, and running perfectly. The Zenith Daytona represents one of, if not the, last collectible, standard production, Daytonas, in my mind at least, perfectly representing that neo-vintage era, straddling the line between vintage with its classic case proportions, Zenith movement, and tritium lume, and modern being automatic, 5 lines of text, and extremely wearable.

Case: The circa 1993 ‘S-Serial’ 40 x 47 x 12 mm 18-carat gold case is in nice overall condition. The hallmarks, reference number, and serial number are all very clearly defined and prominently legible. The case has been polished in the past and retains its original surface finishing throughout and wears nicely on wrist.

Dial: The “MK3” gloss white dial with black subregister rings is by far my favorite configuration of this watch with a very classic, beautiful, and sporty appearance complemented by the red DAYTONA text above the ‘inverted 6’ hour counter located at 6 o’clock. The dial is in very nice condition throughout with even, matching tritium lume exhibiting consistent patina.

There is a (very) small scratch through the 12 of the hour counter subregister that is really only visible under a loupe with the hour counter hand advanced past the two-hour mark, as show in the photos.

Movement: The Rolex caliber 4030 movement is derived from a heavily modified automatic winding Zenith El Primero Caliber 400 base. The watch is winding, setting, and running well, keeping perfect time at +/- 0 s/d averaged across 6 positions. The screw down crown and pushers are all turning smoothly and working as they should, and the chronograph is running properly with crisp chronograph reset. Service history is unknown.

Bracelet: The 78668 bracelet has an R9 clasp code also dating to 1993 and ‘103’ end links. The bracelet hallmarks, logo, and code are all very crisp and clearly legible, as photographed. The bracelet will fit up to an approximate 7-1/8” wrist with 2 removable links and 6 open holes in the clasp micro adjust.

Includes: Presented as watch only on original bracelet, as photographed.