Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Watches

About Rolex Daytona Watches

The Daytona, which premiered in the early 1960's, is one of Rolex’s most popular sport models. The first model (6239) had an external tachymeter scale on the bezel, rather than having its tachymeter printed on the dial, as was typical of “Pre-Daytonas.” The new chronograph also had an “Oyster” case, which sported a screw-on back and screw-down crown. The name Daytona comes from the Daytona Beach racetrack, and Rolex targeted the watch at sports car drivers and racers. Daytonas of the early 1960's and 1970's are referred to as the Paul Newman series, because of the Daytona that this famous actor and racecar driver wore for many years. These Rolex watches are incredibly rare, and were characterized by a solid-colored dial with contrasting subdials and an outer minute track. The most sought-after Daytona watches are those produced from 1961 through 1991, featuring a manual-wind Valjoux 72 column wheel chronograph movement.

The history of Rolex Daytona’s design evolved gradually over the course of several decades. Rolex increased water resistance in the 60's, then fazed out the Paul Newman dials in the early 70's, transitioning into silver and black dials. When the late 1980's hit, people began to consider early Daytonas as collector’s pieces, and by the 1990's, the watch was more popular than ever before. In 1991, Rolex introduced a version with a larger 40mm case (compared to the previous 37mm) and more modern details, plus a modified, automatic-winding Zenith El Primero chronograph movement.

Especially popular were stainless steel models of the 16520, and a waiting list soon developed for seekers of this watch. In 2000, Rolex updated it to the 116520, which contained Rolex’s first in-house chronograph caliber, the 4130. The mechanism was simpler and allowed for easier servicing. Today, the 116520 is still in production, and is basically unchanged since 2000. And what do you think has stuck around with it? The waiting list is typically 6 months to 2 years long. Evidently, this popular watch does not plan to go anywhere anytime soon. Rolex Daytona history is best described as a stylish and reliable high-end luxury watch.