Rolex Daytona Ref. 116528, 18K Yellow Gold Chronograph, Factory Blue Arabic Numeral Dial, Box and Guarantee

A Daytona 116528 in 18K yellow gold with the factory-original Blue Arabic dial, a configuration Rolex produced in notably smaller numbers than its Roman and baton counterparts. Accompanied by its Rolex box and genuine international guarantee, it presents with crisp subdials and excellent structural integrity.

The Piece

The Daytona 116528 occupies a distinctive place among precious-metal Daytona references, and the Blue Arabic dial is among its most distinctive variants. Presented here in factory-original configuration, it unites warm 18K yellow gold with the legibility of applied Arabic numerals on a clean, symmetrical and richly saturated blue ground that deepens the chronograph registers.

The 40mm Oyster case, milled from solid 18K gold, balances athletic curvature with the elegance expected of Rolex's precious-metal line, and every contour, from the polished lugs to the tapering solid-gold Oyster bracelet, shows Rolex's command of precious materials. Within, the automatic chronograph movement, proven through decades of evolution and chronometer certified, remains a symbol of reliability and endurance.

Born from motorsport and refined over decades, the Daytona stands at the apex of Rolex's professional chronographs, and its 18K variants embody the brand's mastery of precious-metal finishing. The 116528 series closed the generation that preceded the later shift in Daytona design codes, and an Arabic-dial example in pure factory condition is exceptionally difficult to find.

Details

• Maker: Rolex
• Model: Daytona
• Reference: 116528
• Origin: Switzerland
• Material: 18K yellow gold case and Oyster bracelet
• Measurements: Case 40.0mm · Bracelet approx. 18.5cm
• Included: Rolex box, genuine international guarantee card
• Dial: Factory blue with applied Arabic numerals
• Movement: Automatic chronograph, chronometer certified
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Water resistance: 100m
• Gender: Men's

Condition

• Excellent overall, with light natural handling marks consistent with careful wear.
• Dial: factory-original blue Arabic dial in excellent condition, with no noticeable aging or discoloration; subdials crisp and well defined.
• Case: light natural handling marks; no major dents or distortion; 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 and markers: Arabic numerals and handset retain full luster, with no oxidation or degradation.
• Bracelet: surface wear consistent with gold bracelets of this age; links tight and structurally sound.
• Movement: operational; the chronograph engages and resets cleanly; no mechanical issues observed.
• Accessories: box and guarantee present, clean and well preserved.

Authenticity & Care

Factory-original Blue Arabic dial; accompanied by the genuine Rolex international guarantee card and Rolex box. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

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