The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116520 is a highly sought-after model, and at times has been difficult to attain due to limited stock at Rolex retailers worldwide. As the market demand increases, limited supply reduces the opportunity to find a brand new Cosmograph Daytona 116520.
The cherished 116520 Stainless Steel version comes with the dial option in black or white.
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is one of the most sought after timepieces in the world no matter if it is new, used, or even VERY used. People have been put on long waiting lists to purchase the 116500LN-0002, the new Black dial and silver model, or the 116500LN-0001 which is the white dial version.
However, the Daytona was not a favorite timepiece throughout its long history. In fact, the Daytona timepiece was less popular than most of the Rolex timepieces like the Presidential Day Date, or the Submariner to name just two. Paul Newman became one of the first people to represent the Daytona brand since he did have a love of car racing. His former Daytona timepiece – a well worn Rolex Reference 6239 from the 1960’s sold for $17.75 million at a Phillips Auction House on October 25, 2017. This event took auctioneers by total surprise, first starting with a massive 10 million dollar bid.
The early Rolex Daytona timepieces had a manual wind caliber inside of it. However, in 1988 Rolex released the automatic version of the watch – a Zenith-made El Primero movement. Rolex revised the series again in 2000 with a new in-house movement inside of it. In 2016, the 116500 was released with a Cerachrom bezel which is resistant to scratches and ultraviolet rays, and it featured the new caliber 4130 which has a 72 hour power reserve.
The early Rolex Daytonas went for between $1,000 and $2,000 and those same models are fetching over $100,000 today. However the new Rolex with steel band and case lists for $12,400 but is price bid up to as much as $25,000 apiece.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116520
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 116500 is made with pure Oystersteel – a hybrid steel design which provides excellent shine and strength. It is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire glass. It has a triplock triple waterproofness system on its winding crown which helps the timepiece be water resistant even in depths of 330 feet.
The new 4130 caliber has a big red Daytona engraved on its movement. It is made with 44 jewels, 201 parts and vibrates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. It has a 72 hour power reserve and features a Parachrom Blue hairspring and a Paraflex anti-shock system. It also has stop seconds for precise time setting.
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is known for its main features beyond the hours, minutes and small seconds. It has a central chronograph seconds hand which is accurate within 1/8 of a second. There is a 30 minutes counter at the 3 o’clock position and a 12-hour counter at the 9 o’clock position. The chronograph features are controlled by the two pushers at the 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock.
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is not just a tool watch, but it is also an Officially Certified Superlative Chronometer which means they have certified its movement within +-2 seconds per day.
The Daytona is a beautiful timepiece which has become far more than a tool watch. Its tachymetric scale around the bezel is tastefully placed on its shiny polished surface. It has a white or black dial and highly luminescent hour markers at all positions except the 12 o’clock position which has the Rolex crown at top.
Each Daytona comes with an exceptional Rolex Oyster Bracelet with 3 piece links. First introduced in the 1930’s, the Oyster has gone through subtle changes over the years and has evolved to become one of the most advanced pieces of horological technology made. It goes through the same stringent tests that the timepiece itself goes through.
Rubber B has come up with a wide variety of bands for the Rolex Daytona. The Daytona is a great timepiece to accessorize with. The pure black dial and bezel can be matched with many colors. Pictured above is a red band that matches the red Daytona lettering on the dial.
All Rubber B bands are made out of pure vulcanized rubber and are manufactured of the highest precision in Switzerland. Besides the many color options for the Rolex Daytona, Rubber B offers 3 types of bands. The Classic series supports the original Rolex clasp, a Tang Buckle series comes with a tang buckle to clasp in lieu of the Rolex Deployant buckle, and the Rubber Cuff series is a new combat strap that looks and feels like real twill fabric but is actually 100% rubber. The Rubber Cuff series has a 316L steel tang buckle as well.
For more information go to our Rolex Cosmograph Daytona page here.
