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Rolex Daytona 16523 Rare Slate Grey Dial Two Tone 1997 Unpolished

£15,178.00

Rolex Daytona Rare Slate Grey Dial Two Tone Steel 18K Gold Ref 16523 Year 1997
£15,178.00
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MAKE: Rolex
MODEL: Daytona
REF: 16523
AGE: 1997
CASE SIZE: 40mm
BOX: No
PAPERS: No
CONDITION: Very good pre-owned – light wear, light scratches on case back, bezel, and bracelet. UNPOLISHED – still has green Rolex sticker on case back.

Contact: +1 (786) 281-1287
Email: Send inquiry via website
Address: 2821 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306, USA
Website: https://nicholasestatebuyer.com/

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Description

A rare gem for Daytona collectors. This vintage two-tone Rolex Daytona reference 16523 features a factory original slate grey dial – a highly sought-after and uncommon configuration. Powered by the legendary Zenith El Primero-based Calibre 4030 movement, this 1997 example represents the bridge between vintage and modern Daytona production. The watch is all original, unpolished, and still retains the green Rolex sticker on the case back. It comes on the original two-tone Oyster bracelet.

The 40mm Oyster case combines stainless steel with 18k yellow gold – the classic two-tone configuration that offers the luxury of gold with the durability of steel. The fixed 18k yellow gold tachymeter bezel is in excellent condition with light wear consistent with age. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial perfectly. The screw-down crown and pushers ensure 100 metres of water resistance. The case back still features the original green Rolex sticker – a telltale sign of an unpolished, well-preserved example.

The slate grey metallic dial is the star of this watch. This rare factory dial colour is much less common than the standard white or black dials, making it highly desirable among collectors. The three contrasting sub-dials register elapsed minutes, hours, and running seconds. The applied gold hour markers and hands complement the two-tone case perfectly.

The two-tone Oyster bracelet in stainless steel and 18k yellow gold features the Oysterlock fold clasp for security. The bracelet has 12 links plus two end links – fully linked and ready to fit most wrists comfortably.

The movement has been machine-tested for accuracy and water resistance, performing within Rolex standards. The Calibre 4030 is Rolex’s heavily modified version of the Zenith El Primero – a high-beat (36,000 vph) chronograph movement known for its precision and reliability.

Why This Watch?

Rare factory slate grey dial – highly sought-after configuration

Zenith El Primero-based Calibre 4030 – 36,000 vph high-beat movement

Unpolished example – still has original green Rolex sticker on case back

All original – case, dial, bezel, bracelet, and movement

1997 production – transitional era between vintage and modern

Fully linked bracelet – 12 links plus two end links

What’s Included?

Watch only (no original box, no original papers)
Fully linked two-tone Oyster bracelet

Important Notes:

  • Light scratches on case back, bezel, and bracelet (consistent with light wear)

  • Unpolished condition – green Rolex sticker still present on case back

  • No original box or papers – priced accordingly

  • Movement tested for accuracy and water resistance – performs within Rolex standards

Seller: Nicholas Estate Buyer (USA)
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
Price: £15,178.00 (converted from $20,300 USD)

KEY FEATURES

Basic Info:
Brand: Rolex
Model: Daytona
Nickname: Slate Grey Dial / Zenith Daytona
Reference Number: 16523
Year of Production: 1997
Movement: Automatic Calibre 4030 (Zenith El Primero base)
Condition: Very good pre-owned – minor signs of wear, small intangible scratches
Scope of Delivery: Watch only (no box, no papers)
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
Seller: Nicholas Estate Buyer

Case:
Case Material: Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold (Two-Tone)
Case Diameter: 40mm
Water Resistance: 100 metres / 330 feet (10 ATM)
Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
Bezel: Fixed 18k Yellow Gold tachymeter bezel
Case Back: Original green Rolex sticker still present (unpolished)

Dial:
Dial Color: Rare factory Slate Grey Metallic
Hour Markers: Applied gold hour markers
Sub-dials: Three contrasting sub-dials (chronograph minutes, hours, running seconds)

Bracelet/Strap:
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold – Oyster bracelet
Bracelet Colour: Gold and Steel (Two-Tone)
Clasp: Oysterlock fold clasp
Clasp Material: Gold/Steel
Bracelet Size: 12 links + 2 end links (fully linked)

Functions:
Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Chronograph, Tachymeter

Caliber:
Rolex Calibre 4030 – Automatic (based on Zenith El Primero)
Base Caliber: Zenith El Primero
Beat Rate: 36,000 vph (high-beat)
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Jewels: 31

Price:
£15,178.00 GBP ($20,300 USD converted at 0.7477)

SELLER INFORMATION:

Nicholas Estate Buyer
Your Trusted Partner in Luxury Timepieces and Jewelry

Based in the heart of South Florida, Nicholas Estate Buyer brings five generations of expertise in jewelry and watchmaking. This family-owned business has been a beacon of trust and excellence in the world of luxury collectibles.

📍 Address: 2821 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
📞 Phone: +1 (786) 281-1287
🌐 Website: https://nicholasestatebuyer.com/

About brand
Rolex is the most recognised name in luxury watches — a symbol of achievement, precision, and timeless design. Since its founding in 1905, Rolex has pioneered innovations that define modern watchmaking: the first waterproof wristwatch (Oyster, 1926), the first automatic date mechanism (Datejust, 1945), and the first watch to reach the Mariana Trench (Deepsea Challenge). From the rugged Submariner to the legendary Daytona and the traveller's GMT-Master, Rolex watches are engineered for performance and built to last generations. Each timepiece is a chronometer-certified instrument, combining iconic aesthetics with unparalleled reliability. A lesser-known fact: Rolex is a non-profit organisation. The Hans Wilsdorf Foundation owns Rolex and channels much of its profits into charitable causes, including education, science, and the arts. Browse our selection of authentic Rolex watches from trusted, KYC-verified sellers. Every purchase is protected by escrow — your funds are held until you confirm authenticity. Buyers pay 1% · Sellers pay 0%.
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You decide when to release the payment. Your funds (in €, £, or crypto) stay in an independent escrow account until you confirm everything is right. Any issues? We hold the funds and activate our expert mediation.

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2. CRYPTO ESCROW — "YOUR ASSET, YOUR TERMS"

We accept cryptocurrency payments with the same level of protection. Your crypto stays in escrow until you receive and confirm the watch. No volatility, no risk.

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3. TRACEABILITY — "EVERY WATCH HAS A STORY"

Every watch sold on TLC must include its serial number and original documentation. We log that number in our system to guarantee that the piece you see is the one that gets shipped. If there are discrepancies, we catch them before the payment is released.

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4. GUARANTEED SHIPPING — "YOU KNOW WHO YOU'RE DEALING WITH"

Shipping is handled directly by the seller (private or professional), but with TLC guarantees: it must include full-value insurance and tracking number. We verify compliance and keep you updated every step of the way.

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5. TEAM + MEDIATION — "YOU'RE NOT ALONE"

Behind every purchase are real people: experts who work alongside law enforcement to detect and stop fraud. If something isn't as expected, our team mediates to reach a fair resolution.

encrypted_guarantee_icon
  1. SECURE PAYMENT — "YOU'RE IN CONTROL"

You decide when to release the payment. Your funds (in €, £, or crypto) stay in an independent escrow account until you confirm everything is right. Any issues? We hold the funds and activate our expert mediation.

encrypted_icon

2. CRYPTO ESCROW — "YOUR ASSET, YOUR TERMS"

We accept cryptocurrency payments with the same level of protection. Your crypto stays in escrow until you receive and confirm the watch. No volatility, no risk.

premium_icon

3. TRACEABILITY — "EVERY WATCH HAS A STORY"

Every watch sold on TLC must include its serial number and original documentation. We log that number in our system to guarantee that the piece you see is the one that gets shipped. If there are discrepancies, we catch them before the payment is released.

delivery-box_icon

4. GUARANTEED SHIPPING — "YOU KNOW WHO YOU'RE DEALING WITH"

Shipping is handled directly by the seller (private or professional), but with TLC guarantees: it must include full-value insurance and tracking number. We verify compliance and keep you updated every step of the way.

organization_icon

5. TEAM + MEDIATION — "YOU'RE NOT ALONE"

Behind every purchase are real people: experts who work alongside law enforcement to detect and stop fraud. If something isn't as expected, our team mediates to reach a fair resolution.

encrypted_guarantee_icon
  1. SECURE PAYMENT — "YOU'RE IN CONTROL"

You decide when to release the payment. Your funds (in €, £, or crypto) stay in an independent escrow account until you confirm everything is right. Any issues? We hold the funds and activate our expert mediation.

encrypted_icon

2. CRYPTO ESCROW — "YOUR ASSET, YOUR TERMS"

We accept cryptocurrency payments with the same level of protection. Your crypto stays in escrow until you receive and confirm the watch. No volatility, no risk.

premium_icon

3. TRACEABILITY — "EVERY WATCH HAS A STORY"

Every watch sold on TLC must include its serial number and original documentation. We log that number in our system to guarantee that the piece you see is the one that gets shipped. If there are discrepancies, we catch them before the payment is released.

delivery-box_icon

4. GUARANTEED SHIPPING — "YOU KNOW WHO YOU'RE DEALING WITH"

Shipping is handled directly by the seller (private or professional), but with TLC guarantees: it must include full-value insurance and tracking number. We verify compliance and keep you updated every step of the way.

organization_icon

5. TEAM + MEDIATION — "YOU'RE NOT ALONE"

Behind every purchase are real people: experts who work alongside law enforcement to detect and stop fraud. If something isn't as expected, our team mediates to reach a fair resolution.