Rolex Daytona Ref 116523 (from the year 2000)

Rolex released the Daytona ref. 116523 in the year 2000 as part of the new-generation Daytona collection equipped with the new in-house Caliber 4130 automatic movement. The previous Daytona watches ran on caliber 4030, which was a modified Zenith El Primero automatic movement. Before that, they were powered by hand-wound movements valjoux 72 movement for Rolex 6239,6262, 6264 etc.

The Rolex Caliber 4130 was significant because it was the very first in-house automatic chronograph movement. Like all modern Rolex Daytona watches, the Daytona ref. 116523 sports a 40mm Oyster case, which I think it’s the ideal size for Rolex Sports model; screw down chronograph pushers, and a screw-down winding crown.

As a Rolesor model (Rolex’s term for two-tone watches), it features a mix of stainless steel and 18k yellow gold throughout the watch, both of which are forged in Rolex’s own foundry using the finest ore available. There is the yellow gold engraved tachymeter bezel on the stainless steel case and the yellow gold center links framed by steel links on the Oyster bracelet.

The Daytona ref. 116523 comes with several dial color namely black, silver, grey and hour marker options. However, they all include the trio of registers at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. The reference 116523 is a coveted collector’s item among many motorsport enthusiasts as its prices are still reasonable. Previously, only the steel Daytona are popular among the collectors especially the model using El Primero movement Ref 16520. However, these gold & steel Daytona and the gold Daytona has gained popularity among the newer and younger collectors.

Strangely, in terms of Pricing for the Steel Rolex Daytona Ref 16520 commands higher prices then the model that of the ref 116520 that come after. For the Gold and Steel models, the newer model ref 116523 actually commands higher prices than the ref 16523. I have never seriously hunt for the Daytona as the prices are quite high to start with. Nevertheless, as part of my efforts to reduce the quantities of watches, I have traded a Rolex 18k rose gold1503 & bi colour 1601 plus cash top up for this.

The Daytona ref. 116523, was discontinued and replaced with the new Daytona ref. 116503 in 2016. The new two-tone Daytona is almost identical in appearance to the previous one except for a redesigned bezel. The bezel now includes fatter fonts and triangular markings instead of circular ones. The updated bezel also features a slightly different orientation of the Tachymeter scale with the numerals circling in a curve around the bezel instead of positioned perpendicular with the hour markers as seen on reference 116523. Additionally, the hash marks between the 60 to 100 graduations are now underlined by a bold black line, whereas the bezel on ref. 116523 embraces more of a minimalist design with smaller numerals and markers.

As this is still a Neo Vintage watch, I have sent the watch to Rolex center for waterproof and maintenance since Rolex Centers still have spare parts for this discontinued model.

Latest Update:

My Rolex Daytona has finally been completely serviced and now that watch is fully waterproofed again.