The Rolex Daytona is the hottest Rolex being sold today. However, this wasn’t always the case. Soaring popularity has risen to an epic peak and appears to have no end in sight. The current reference 116518LN is a stunning combination of both yellow gold and a black bezel and dials, along with a black band. However vintage steel-only Rolex Daytona’s are a collector’s dream even though they did not even have an automatic caliber inside. Rolex Daytona on Oysterflex popularity has been on the rise since actor and racing legend Paul Newman became the spokesperson for the brand, and consistent improvements to the ultimate tool timepiece have brought renewed acclaim.
Rolex has been at the forefront of designing timepieces for racing events for over half a century. The Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona was introduced in 1963, allowing drivers to accurately calculate their lap speed utilizing the tachymetric scale and its three counter dials, from the pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock. Although early models were available only in steel, current Daytona models are found in both yellow and pink gold, and special editions can even be found in platinum.
The Daytona is known for its 3 dials. The 12-hour dial is at 9 o’clock and the minutes dial is at 6 o’clock. It also has a 30-minute counter at the 3 o’clock position. The tachymetric scale was introduced allowing measurement of speed up to 200 units per hour (miles or kilometers is your choice). However, as race speeds and car technology increased, Rolex released models that supported 300 units and now 400 units. It is unlikely for land vehicles to stretch beyond 400 units, due to limitations in tire, heat and other technology. However, if they do, Rolex will be there to build the next version of the Rolex Daytona.
The new Daytona is equipped with a caliber 4130 which is an automatic mechanical chronograph movement developed and manufactured by Rolex. This new caliber is built with fewer components, enhancing reliability, and allowing for a larger mainspring. This has greatly enhanced the power reserve from 50 to 72 hours.
Rubber B has developed 8 replacement bands for the Rolex Daytona on Oysterflex. Each rubber strap is engineered to fit the Rolex Daytona and the original Oyster deployant buckle coming with the Oyster Rubber strap. The Rubber B strap utilizes “Blocked Integration” engineering, incorporating solid inserts for a flawless, motionless flush mount to the watch case. The SwimSkin model feels like Kevlar but is in fact 100% vulcanized rubber.
All Rubber B bands are made in Switzerland of pure natural vulcanized rubber. No coating, blends, glues or bonding are utilized in the manufacturing process allowing for a natural allergen-free and non-toxic material that can withstand an active lifestyle. For more information visit our page here.
