Reference 16523 — the Rolex Daytona in a 40mm Steel and Yellow Gold case, Champagne Standard dial, Standard YG bezel, Oyster bracelet, used condition, circa 1997. It comes with its original papers. A spec sheet that holds its own among serious wrist time.
Two generations sit in current circulation. The 116-prefix references carry caliber 4130 and were produced through approximately 2023; the 126-prefix series, launched in 2023, runs caliber 4131 with a revised bracelet architecture and skeletonized rotor. Both measure 40mm, a dimension fixed since reference 16520 in 1988. The in-house column-wheel chronograph movement remains the heart of every piece. Demand consistently outpaces supply, which keeps secondary-market premiums elevated. Read the full Daytona buying guide ›
Geneva has been home to this manufacture since Hans Wilsdorf founded it in 1905. The waterproof Oyster case, the Perpetual self-winding movement and the magnifying Cyclops lens trace back to genuine technical firsts in waterproofing, automatic winding and date display. Precision and durability gave it benchmark status across horology, and reach beyond it. The watches now behave like a financial asset class, with steel sports references commanding premiums over retail. Browse all Rolex ›
Rolex · 16523
Ref. 16523 — Rolex Daytona: 40mm case · Steel and Yellow Gold · Champagne Standard dial · Standard YG bezel · 1997.
