Key Historical Milestones:

1. Origins of the Daytona Line (1963)

The Rolex Daytona was originally introduced in 1963 as the "Cosmograph," a chronograph specifically designed for racing drivers. Its official name, "Daytona," came from the brand's association with the Daytona International Speedway in Florida. The Daytona quickly became a favorite among professional drivers due to its reliable tachymeter scale and accurate timekeeping, essential for measuring speeds on the racetrack.

2. The Paul Newman Connection

In the late 1960s and 1970s, a version of the Daytona featuring an exotic dial became associated with actor and racing enthusiast Paul Newman. The "Paul Newman" Daytona, though not initially popular, eventually became one of the most coveted vintage Rolex watches in the world, setting auction records for its rarity and celebrity connection.

3. Movement Evolution

Earlier Daytona models, particularly the manual-wind ones, used movements from other watchmakers, like the Valjoux 72. In 1988, Rolex introduced the first automatic Daytona, reference 16520, which was powered by a heavily modified Zenith El Primero movement. This version helped propel the Daytona's popularity, especially due to its automatic winding feature.

4. In-House Movement (2000)

One of the most significant moments in the Daytona's history came in 2000 with the introduction of the Rolex Caliber 4130. This was the first in-house chronograph movement developed entirely by Rolex, further elevating the prestige and reliability of the Daytona. The Caliber 4130 is known for its precision, robustness, and longer power reserve.

5. Cerachrom Bezel Introduction (2011-2016)

Rolex started introducing its proprietary Cerachrom bezel on various models before integrating it into the Daytona. Cerachrom is a virtually scratch-proof ceramic material that is extremely resistant to fading, making it perfect for a racing chronograph. The first Daytona to receive a Cerachrom bezel was the platinum reference 116506, released in 2013 for the Daytona’s 50th anniversary.

6. Rolex Daytona 116500LN (2016)

The reference 116500LN debuted at Baselworld 2016 and became an instant sensation. This model brought together the legendary Daytona design with the modern aesthetics of the black Cerachrom bezel. It was available in two dial variants: black and white ("Panda").

• Key Features:

  • Cerachrom Bezel: The black ceramic bezel is engraved with a tachymeter scale and filled with platinum PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) for added contrast and legibility.

  • 40mm Oyster Case: The stainless steel case provides 100 meters of water resistance.

  • Caliber 4130 Movement: The in-house automatic chronograph movement continues to power the 116500LN, ensuring high accuracy and a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

  • Scratch Resistance and Durability: The Cerachrom bezel is nearly impervious to scratches and discoloration, while the sapphire crystal ensures further durability.

Model Specifics:

Complete with box, booklets, and warranty card dated December 22, 2018