Rolex Daytona 116528 Blue Arabic Dial · 18K Yellow Gold Chronograph · Factory Original Arabic Numeral Dial · Premium Collector Grade

⭐ A museum-grade expression of rarity, cultural depth, and Rolex golden-age craftsmanship — curated for the serious collector.

There are watches that tell time, and there are watches that define eras.
This piece belongs squarely to the latter—an emblem of aesthetic clarity, mechanical trust, and the unmistakable presence of solid gold.

DESCRIPTION

The Rolex Daytona 116528 in 18K Yellow Gold, paired with the coveted Blue Arabic dial, occupies a distinctive place in the hierarchy of precious-metal Daytona references. Presented here in its factory-original configuration, this example unifies warm champagne-gold case architecture with the crisp legibility and exotic flair of applied Arabic numerals—a pairing Rolex produced in notably limited circulation compared to Roman or baton variants.

The 40mm Oyster case, milled from a solid block of 18K gold, radiates an unmistakable density and refinement. Its proportions remain faithful to the enduring Daytona codes, balancing athletic curvature with the elegance expected from Rolex’s precious metal lineage. The blue dial—clean, symmetrical, and richly saturated—amplifies the depth of the chronograph registers while reinforcing an uncommon aesthetic precision rarely encountered today.

Every contour, from the polished lugs to the Oyster bracelet’s tapered silhouette, demonstrates Rolex’s mastery over precious materials. The automatic chronograph movement, robust and proven through decades of continuous evolution, remains a symbol of reliability and endurance. This reference stands as a testament to a period when Rolex leaned confidently into color, weight, and personality—before the modern shift toward restrained minimalism.

A fully factory Daytona in yellow gold, with this dial configuration, is not simply a wristwatch.
It is an affirmation of taste, permanence, and the lasting appeal of golden-era Rolex design.

HIGHLIGHTS & FEATURES

• Factory-original Blue Arabic numeral dial
• 18K Yellow Gold Oyster case and bracelet
• Automatic chronograph movement
• 40mm case size for ideal presence
• 100m water resistance
• Highly legible contrasting subdial layout
• Sapphire crystal front
• Full solid-gold bracelet construction
• Chronometer-certified performance
• One of the most distinctive 116528 dial variants
• Rare market availability in factory configuration

ITEM DETAILS

Model: Rolex Daytona 116528
Material: 18K Yellow Gold
Dial: Factory Blue Arabic Dial
Case Size: 40.0mm
Bracelet Size: approx. 18.5cm
Movement: Automatic (Chronograph)
Water Resistance: 100m
Inclusions: International guarantee (genuine), Rolex box
Gender: Mens
Country of Manufacture: Switzerland
Set: Watch + Box + Guarantee Card

CONDITION REPORT

Dial
Factory-original blue Arabic dial in excellent condition, no noticeable aging or discoloration. Subdials remain crisp and well defined.

Case
Light natural handling marks consistent with careful wear. No major dents or distortions. Edges preserve their factory geometry.

Bezel
Minor surface wear visible under angled light. Engravings remain deep, clean, and legible.

Crystal
Clear sapphire with no visible chips or cracks. Only micro-swirls possible under magnification.

Hands & Markers
Arabic numerals and handset retain full luster with no oxidation or degradation.

Bracelet
Surface wear consistent with gold bracelets of this age. Links remain tight and structurally sound.

Movement
Operational and functioning properly. Chronograph engages and resets cleanly. No mechanical issues observed.

Accessories
Box and guarantee present; all components clean and well preserved.

WHY COLLECTORS WANT THIS PIECE

The Blue Arabic Dial Daytona occupies a niche sought by collectors who value aesthetic rarity within the precious-metal Daytona catalog. Arabic numeral dials were produced in smaller numbers than standard baton or Roman layouts, making examples like this exceptionally difficult to source in pure factory condition.

Moreover, the 116528 series represents the last generation of Daytona models under the classic 40mm profile before contemporary evolutions shifted design codes. The combination of solid gold mass, cultural significance, and uncommon dial architecture places this reference firmly in the realm of long-term desirability.

In short:
It is the kind of Daytona that becomes harder to replace every year—and more compelling to own every decade.

BRAND HERITAGE

Rolex’s legacy in professional chronographs has produced some of the most recognizable designs in the history of watchmaking. The Daytona stands at the apex—born from motorsport, refined through decades of incremental evolution, and elevated by precious materials into an icon of modern luxury. The 18K variants, in particular, embody Rolex’s engineering authority and its mastery of precious-metal finishing, resulting in watches that retain cultural and financial relevance long after their production eras conclude.

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