WATCHES
Rolex Daytona
Review
By The Rebag Watch Team, Feb 15, 2022
In 1963 the Rolex Daytona set a standard for timepieces.
Named the Daytona as a tribute to the auto racing enthusiasts who travel to Daytona Beach, the iconic Rolex timepiece is one of the house’s most beloved watches. It merges style with function, with the versatility to go from the board room to the race track and everywhere in between.
Rolex Daytona Review by REBAG – Everything You Need to Know
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Automatic Watch White Gold and Alligator with Sodalite Dial and Diamond Markers 40
Introduced in 1963, the Daytona is the pinnacle of quality and one of Rolex’s most beloved sports watches. This special Rolex Daytona review showcases the enduring design of fashion and functionality that goes from the race track to the boardroom and everywhere in between. It is the ultimate timing tool for endurance racing drivers and luxury watch collectors.
Popularity That Spans from the Racetrack to the Red Carpet
First known as “Le Mans” after the race held in Le Mans, France, it is a perfect racing watch with a tachometer bezel. It allows drivers to measure elapsed time and calculate average speed. Rolex rebranded the watch “Daytona” as a nod to Daytona Beach in Florida, a mecca for auto racing enthusiasts.
Famous fans like Paul Newman propelled the watch’s popularity. The actor was also a race car driver, sporting his favorite watch in many Daytona Beach events. There’s even a version of the style named after him and easily recognizable by its contrasting colored scale around the dial. Highly sought after and valuable, it is the highest-priced timepiece sold at auction for 17.8 million.
What is Special About the Rolex Daytona?
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph
Daytona Automatic Watch Stainless Steel 40
The Daytona model comes in 40 millimeters, but before 1988, it had a smaller 38-millimeter case size. It comes in many types of different materials, including:
- White Gold
- Yellow Gold
- Rose Gold
- Platinum
- Stainless Steel
- Surgical Grade Steel
- Gold with Rubber or Leather Band
The most popular Daytona is the stainless steel version. Produced in limited amounts, it appreciates significantly in value over time. You may find vintage pieces with special features on the market, such as alligator bands, diamonds, or other precious stones. Daytona’s technical characteristics include perpetual mechanical chronograph, automatic movement, center, hour, minutes, and second hands at six o’clock.
It features waterproof resistance of 100 meters or 300 feet and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Great for everyday use, it is considered a sport luxury watch. The Daytona was too heavy, so Rolex created hollow link bracelets to lighten the weight.
Rolex Daytona Review of Limited and Special Edition Watches
More popular with men and loved by women Rolex customers, it’s a perfect unisex watch. The Daytona is popular among celebrities, including Paul Newman, Victoria Beckham, Jay-Z, Michael Jordan, John Legend, Ellen DeGeneres, and many more. Some of the most sought after styles include:
The Paul Newman Rolex.
Courtesy of Esquire.
- Paul Newman, with a contrasting color dial with a matching outer minute track that matches the sub-dials located at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock
Rainbow Daytona.
Courtesy of The Collectors Circle.
- Rainbow Daytona, made of rose gold with six baguette-set sapphires in the bezel, and 56 diamonds set into the lugs and case
La Montoya.
Courtesy of Chrono24.
- La Montoya, a collaboration between Rolex and F1 driver Pablo Montoya, with a skeleton version of the case
The Rolex Daytona 16516.
Courtesy of Sotheby’s.
- Daytona 16516 with a platinum chronograph and lazuli dial
The Rolex Daytona 6269.
Courtesy of The Keystone Watches.
- Daytona 6269 with a yellow gold case and round brilliant cut diamonds set into the dial along with a diamond-paved bezel.
Every edition of the Rolex Daytona is a perfectly balanced timepiece with simple classic designs. With strong contrasting colors and certified precision, each watch is a proven investment piece coveted by collectors and celebrities. Shop all our available Rolex Daytona luxury watches!
