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Rolex Daytona Zenith in the UK

Rolex Daytona Zenith reference 16520 stainless steel with contrasting sub-dials

The Rolex Daytona Zenith

Reference Numbers:

The Rolex Daytona Zenith most commonly refers to reference 16520 (stainless steel). Other Zenith‑era references include 16523 (Rolesor), 16528 (yellow gold), 16518 (yellow gold on leather), and 16519 (white gold on leather).

Production Years:

Introduced in 1988 and produced for approximately twelve years until Rolex transitioned to its fully in‑house automatic Daytona calibre.

Movement & Defining Features:

The "Zenith" nickname comes from the modified Zenith El Primero movement that Rolex re‑engineered and designated Calibre 4030. Key changes included removal of the date function and adjustments to meet Rolex chronometric standards. Typical features include white or black dials with contrasting sub‑dials, a tachymeter bezel and a 40mm Oyster case across steel, two‑tone and precious‑metal variants.

Collectors prize the Rolex Daytona Zenith for its unique place between the manual‑wind Valjoux era and the later in‑house automatic Daytona, making it a standout addition to any collection.

About the Rolex Daytona Zenith

The Rolex Daytona Zenith derives its name from the Zenith El Primero base calibre that Rolex re‑worked into the automatic Calibre 4030 for the Daytona. Prior to this, the Cosmograph Daytona used a manual‑winding Valjoux movement. Adopting the Zenith architecture allowed Rolex to introduce its first self‑winding Daytona while applying Rolex‑specific modifications and finishing to meet stringent accuracy and reliability standards.

  • White or black dial with contrasting sub‑dials
  • 40mm Oyster case in Oystersteel, Rolesor or solid gold (by reference)
  • Tachymetric bezel for elapsed time and speed
  • Rolex Calibre 4030 (based on Zenith El Primero)
  • Sapphire crystal and water resistance to 100m

Source Rare, Vintage and Used Daytona Zenith Rolex Timepieces

Trust BQ Watches for a curated selection of rare, vintage and pre‑owned Rolex Daytona Zenith models in the UK. Whether you shop online or visit our London showroom, our specialists can help you secure the exact Zenith Daytona you want. We also carry leading luxury brands including Rolex, Audemars Piguet, IWC, Breitling, Bremont, Tudor, Cartier, Omega and Patek Philippe.

Don’t see the specific Daytona Zenith you’re after? Contact our team and use our sourcing service - we’ll search our network to find the right reference, dial and condition for your collection.

Buy, Sell, Source, Appraise, and Exchange Second‑Hand Daytona Zenith Rolex Online

Whatever you need for your next watch, BQ Watches has you covered. Browse and buy your second‑hand luxury watches online or in our London showroom - including the Rolex Daytona Zenith. Our inventory changes daily, so check back often or speak to us about sourcing.

Looking to move on from your Zenith Daytona? We can buy outright, arrange a part‑exchange, or provide a valuation. We also offer repairs and professional cleaning.

Use the form below to tell us which Rolex Daytona Zenith you’re interested in or the service you require. A specialist will be in touch shortly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A Zenith Daytona Rolex (often called Rolex Daytona Zenith) is a Rolex Daytona powered by a Rolex‑modified Zenith El Primero movement, designated Calibre 4030. These self‑winding movements were used for around twelve years before Rolex introduced its fully in‑house automatic Daytona calibre.

Prices for Rolex Daytona Zenith models vary widely by reference, dial, condition, service history and provenance. Because market values change frequently, please check our live listings or contact us for today’s pricing on specific references such as 16520, 16523, 16528, 16518 and 16519.

BQ Watches offers a changing selection of Rolex Daytona Zenith watches online and in our London showroom. If you don’t see the exact model in stock, our team can source it for you through our network.

Typically, collectors refer to 16520 (steel), 16523 (Rolesor), 16528 (yellow gold), 16518 (yellow gold on leather) and 16519 (white gold on leather) as the Rolex Daytona Zenith references.

Purchase from a reputable specialist and request details such as serial/reference numbers, service history and condition reports. BQ Watches provides expert guidance and can arrange valuations, part‑exchange and aftercare for your Rolex Daytona Zenith.
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