Rolex

Cosmograph Daytona Watches

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is known as one of the most representative models for Rolex. First released in 1963, the Rolex Daytona is a mechanical chronograph watch originally designed for auto racing. The combination of its chronograph and bezel with tachymetric scale can help racing drivers accurately measure their average speeds. 

Since the launch of the first Rolex Daytona reference 6239, the Daytona Rolex watch has received overwhelming responses from the market. Furthermore, after it was spotted with the famous racer and actor Paul Newman, this Rolex chronograph watch has enjoyed exceptional popularity for decades. One of the most known fact to reveal its unimaginable value is that the vintage Paul Newman Daytona was sold at US$17.8 million, which became one of the most expensive watches in the world. 

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona collection has undergone a few significant technical enhancements and has been releasing more advanced versions over the years. Exquisitely built, striking design and the heritage of the brand, Rolex Daytona has made itself one of the most desirable luxury watches for the watch lovers all across the world. 

Speaking of the luxury watch market, the first name that will pop up into people’s minds is usually Rolex. Then when we further talk about a Rolex watch for investment, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is always in the list. To look for its roots in the legend of the Daytona watch, we should trace back to around 20 years before the collection was officially launched. 

Before the Rolex Daytona came to exist, Rolex had already started to build a strong reputation for its robust sport watches with the patented Oyster cases since the 1930s. Its relationship with auto racing became closer after the well-recognised auto racer Sir Malcom Campbell was invited to be the brand’s ambassador by Hans Wilsdorf. Sir Campbell had achieved many feats in the auto-racing realm in Florida's Daytona beach. 

Since then, Rolex had further built its name in the world of automobiles and its watches were associated with more auto racers in Daytona. In those years, Rolex produced its first chronograph wristwatch. The watch featured a single push button on the side for the wear to start and stop timing as well as reset a separate second hand. These early Rolex chronographs were powered by the movements from the company Valjoux.

It was until 1955 that Rolex introduced its first manual-wind chronograph in an oyster case. This watch is usually considered as the precursor of the Daytona nowadays. The Rolex Oyster Chronograph reference 6234 featured a tachometer scale for time measurement on the outer ring and a telemeter scale for distances on the inner ring. The three sub dials are indicated for different measurement: a small second counter at 9 o'clock, a 30-minutes counter at 3 o’clock and a 12-hours counter at 6 o'clock) position. 

For the next few years, Rolex has released a handful of updated versions for this series. In 1963 Rolex introduced the first Cosmograph model, the reference 6239, which should be the best known one. The distinctive characteristic of reference 6239 from the previous models was the tachometer scale engraved on the metal bezel instead of marking on the edge of dials. It was meant to enhance the legibility of the dial. 

In 1965 Rolex introduced a new dial called Exotic Dial for its Cosmograph models. With some upgrades on the design elements, the Daytona name also finally appeared above the 6 o’clock sub-dial. 

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona has been loved by many celebrities and Hollywood stars as well. The most discussed one should be the movie star Paul Newman. He received a rare Daytona 6239 with an exotic dial from his wife when he started his car racing career in 1972. Although it was not his first Rolex watch, he had been spotted with his Daytona on many occasions until his death in 2008. 

Due to the deep connection with this famous personality of the watch, since then any vintage Rolex Daytona with a exotic dial will be recognised as a “Paul Newman Daytona”. Such watches should be in reference 6239, 6241, 6262, 6263, 6264 or 6265. Today these Paul Newman Daytonas are today among the most valuable vintage watch models by Rolex collectors.

There are ample Rolex Daytona models available, 36 to be specific, listed here are a few which we absolutely adore in this variation line:

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116500

The Rolex 116500LN was released in 2016. In just a few years it has already become one of the most sought-after watches in the world. As the updated version of Rolex 116520, the Rolex Daytona 116500 model has succeeded the recognition as the best steel luxury sports watch appraised by the Rolex enthusiasts. 

This 40 mm watch is equipped with the Rolex signature Oystersteel case with its patented screw-down chrono pushers and winding crown. It is also fitted with the matching three-link Oystersteel bracelet. Since the 40 mm Daytonas are smaller than other Rolex sporty models such as Rolex Submariner, they are considered more well-fitting ones among Rolex watches. 

The most distinctive feature of the Daytona 116500LN is its Cerachrom bezel which replaced the steel bezel. The Cerachrom bezel is made from Rolex’s patented ceramic with a gold or platinum coat on the engraved markings. This ceramic bezel is highly appreciated by the watch lovers for its high resistance to scratch and fading. 

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rose Gold 116515

The Rolex 116515LN model offers numerous versions of the Rolex Daytona Rold Gold watch. This Rolex 116515 certainly is one of the most attractive and most popular ones in this segment. With different dial color options, the 116515 features the exclusive Rolex Everose case with a black Cerachrom bezel. The corrosion and scratch resistance properties integrated are able to maintain the beauty of the watch for many years. 

Everyone would be flattered over the Rolex Daytona watch just as much as we are with its legacy as well as the exceptional quality. With its capability of holding value, this watch is definitely a great choice for your collection and investment.