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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch

1991 Rolex Zenith Daytona Ref. 16528 Champagne Mk. III Tiffany & Co. Dial

Partially verified

This 1991 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference 16528, is an 18K yellow gold self-winding chronograph. It features the automatic Zenith 400 movement, modified by Rolex for the ref. 16520 series. The watch is distinguished by its champagne-colored Mk. III "inverted 6" dial, which carries the "Tiffany & Co." signature. The case measures 40mm in diameter and is paired with an 18K yellow gold Rolex 78668 Oyster bracelet incorporating 103 solid end pieces. The fixed yellow gold tachymeter bezel is marked "Units Per Hour." The watch maintains a sapphire crystal and a screw-down case back, which the auction description reports retains its factory green Rolex sticker. The timepiece is characterized by its unpolished condition and the presence of ivory-colored tritium lume plots on the dial and matching hands.

Front view of the 1991 Rolex Zenith Daytona ref. 16528 with champagne Tiffany & Co. dial
Front view of the 1991 Rolex Zenith Daytona ref. 16528 with champagne Tiffany & Co. dial — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
16528
Catalogue / lot identifier
RLXDT16528TIF
Source-reported date
1991
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
X4XXXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bracelet

The 18K yellow gold case is described by the vendor as unpolished, retaining crisp edges and factory finishing throughout. The fixed 18K yellow gold tachymeter bezel displays black enamel markings and is reported to be in crisp condition. The case back retains the factory-applied green Rolex protective sticker.

The watch is fitted with an 18K yellow gold Rolex 78668 Oyster bracelet featuring solid 103 end pieces. The bracelet comprises 12 links, which are noted to show no stretch, and it is sized to accommodate a wrist measurement of up to 7.25 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “The impressive and unpolished 18K yellow gold case retains crisp edges and sharp finishing throughout”
  • “The case back retains its factory green Rolex sticker.”
  • “The original 18K yellow gold Rolex 78668 Oyster bracelet with solid 103 end pieces retains 12 links”

Dial and Signature

The watch features a champagne-colored Mk. III dial, noted for its "inverted 6" numeral within the sub-dial. The dial is co-branded "Tiffany & Co." below the standard Rolex branding and model designation. The dial indices and hands contain tritium lume, which is described as having an ivory appearance.

The vendor reports that the dial remains in original condition without signs of damage or aging. Inspection under UV light confirms the integrity of the lume plots and hands. It is noted that the "Tiffany & Co." signature was applied by the retailer in New York City rather than at the Rolex factory.

Evidence for this section
  • “The champagne Mk. III "inverted 6" dial is notably co-branded "Tiffany & Co.”
  • “Interestingly, the Tiffany & Co. logos were printed by hand at the Tiffany Location in New York City, not by Rolex.”
  • “The tritium lume plots exhibit no degradation under UV light inspected and feature a lovely ivory color.”

Movement and Function

This reference utilizes a self-winding movement based on the Zenith 400 caliber. Rolex integrated approximately 200 modifications to this movement for its application in the ref. 16520 Daytona series, transitioning the model from the earlier manual-wind chronographs.

The movement allows for a chronograph function with tachymeter scaling for speed measurement. The case design provides a water-resistance rating to 100 meters (330 feet), supported by the use of sapphire crystals.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rolex outsourced this moment, utilizing the Zenith 400 movement”
  • “Rolex required approximately 200 modifications to the Zenith movement”
  • “the Daytona’s precision chronograph and tachymeter bezel allowed drivers to accurately measure speeds up to 400 kilometers or miles per hour”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific history of Tiffany & Co. signature application processes for Rolex dials during the early 1990s?
  • Are there secondary authentication records for this specific X-serial case matching the Tiffany-signed dial?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1991 Rolex Zenith Daytona Ref. 16528 Champagne Mk. III Tiffany & Co. Dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference16528“Ref. 16528”
Case Material18K Yellow Gold“18K Yellow Gold”
Movement BaseZenith 400“utilizing the Zenith 400 movement”
Bracelet Reference78668“Rolex 78668 18K YG Oyster Bracelet”
Dial TypeMk. III Champagne“Champagne 'Mk. III' "Tiffany & Co.”
CrystalSapphire“durable sapphire crystals”

Visible details

  • Tachymeter bezel marked 'Units Per Hour'
  • Triple-register champagne dial with black sub-dials
  • 'Tiffany & Co.' signature printed below 'Cosmograph'
  • Factory green sticker visible on the case back

Research qualifications

  • The exact provenance of the Tiffany & Co. signature application is not documented beyond the vendor's claim that such logos were printed in New York City
  • The internal mechanism is not visible in the provided photographs

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت Rolex Daytona 'Zenith' 18K YG (Ref. 16528) با صفحه Champagne Mk. III "Tiffany & Co."

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 3c5eefe0dc

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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