Rolex Watches

Introduction The Rolex Explorer family has been known for extremely robust, accurate and exceptionally reliable professional timepieces. The brand offers two distinct ranges from this well-established wristwatch family: Explorer I & Explorer II. The Explorer line belongs to the iconic Swiss brand’s Professional Range, which also includes Submariner, Cosmograph Daytona, Sea-Dweller, GMT-Master II, Yacht-Master, Milgauss and Air-King watch collections. Each timepiece from the Rolex Professional family has been exclusively designed for various environments in the land, air or sea. Among them, the rolex explorer watches are ideally suitable for both amateur adventurers and professionals, involved in mountaineering, polar expeditions and other outdoor activities. The Explorer II is an evolution of the iconic Rolex Explorer I watch introduced in 1953. The inaugural model of the Explorer II was unveiled in 1971. With their fixed 24-hour bezel, the additional hour-hand and instantaneous date function, the Explorer II watches stand out within the Explorer line. Since its induction, the Explorer II has been evolved into four references: 1655 (1971 to 1984), 16550 (1984 to 1989), 16750 (1989 to 2011) and 216750 (from 2011). As on date, Rolex produces Explorer II watches under the reference 216750. The Explorer family is the most accessible within the Rolex Professional watch range.  History of Rolex Explorer II In 1926, Rolex introduced Oyster, a water-proof and dust-proof wristwatch. The name ‘Oyster’ refers to the hermetically sealed case of this timepiece. Since then, Rolex has been manufacturing precise and robust timekeepers especially designed for both amateur and professional explorers. In 1953, the Explorer collection was introduced. These timepieces featured exceptionally water-resistant oyster steel cases and highly reliable self-winding movements. Presently comes under the Professional Collection, the Explorer models are the descendants of the original Oyster watch. On 29th May 1953, Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary reached the peak of the Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. They were the members of a Himalayan mission led by British Army Colonel John Hunt. Rolex, which had been supplying timepieces to mountain expedition teams since the 1930s, provided their Perpetual Oyster watches to the 1953 expedition members. Equipped with robust stainless steel case, highly readable dial and precise self-winding movement, these timepieces were capable to withstand extreme sub-zero temperatures.  Rolex 6150 / Photo Credit: Instagram Launched in the same year of the first conquest of the Mount Everest, Rolex Explorer 1 celebrates one of the most extraordinary achievements in the world history. The initial model was reference 6350.  In 1954, Rolex introduced reference 6150. The next evolution was Ref. 6610, which was succeeded by the reference 1016 in 1963. Rolex introduced the reference 14270 in 1989. The most recent addition is the rolex explorer 2016 model with reference number 214270. The Rolex Explorer price is approximately HK$ 80,000 each for the new reference. Highly sought after, the historical explorer models are expensive than the new generation references.   Rolex 214270 Typically featuring the time-only layout with three centre hands, Explorer is an ultimate tool watch for adventurous activities like mountaineering. The Rolex Explorer I model does not feature any additional hand, graduated bezel or date. These standard specifications remain same even in new generation models.  Just like mountaineering, both Speleology and Spelunking are conducted under hostile environments. Speleology refers to the scientific study of the caves and Spelunking (also called caving or potholing) is the leisure activity of exploring wild cave systems. In some occasions, explorers have to stay prolonged durations inside the caves. Along with the safety equipment and clothing, a reliable timepiece with luminescent display is a must for cave explorers. For both amateur and professional cave explorers, it was necessary to have some sort of indication on their wristwatches to differentiate between AM and PM. So Rolex developed the Explorer II, a professional timepiece capable of displaying both night-hours and day-hours simultaneously. The Evolution of Rolex Explorer II Rolex 1655 / Photo Credit: Instagram The first reference from the rolex explorer 2 series was Ref.1655. The stand-out features that differentiate this 39mm stainless steel watch were: the fixed 24-hour graduated bezel, the arrow-shaped additional hand and the date window at 3H. Equipped with the 1575 movement, the reference 1655 was made available in black dial with lumed indices and hands (MK I, II& III dial versions with Tritium and MK IV dial versions with Luminova). The large, orange-colored 24-hour hand is a key attraction of this reference. Coupled with the main time mechanism, this hand allowed the wearer to set the timepiece for displaying 24 hour format to distinguish night-hours from day-hours. This enhanced function made the Explorer II a perfect timekeeper for speleologists, spelunkers and miners. Rolex ceased the production of Ref.1655 in 1984. The company commenced the production of the new Explorer II reference 16550 in 1985. An evolution of reference 1655, this version features stainless steel case measuring 40mm diameter, 1mm larger than its predecessor. To equip this model, Rolex opted caliber 3085, the same self-winding movement used in the Rolex GMT Master II 16760 aka “Fat Lady.” Available in black or white dial versions, the reference 16550 features the hour-hand in so-called ‘Mercedes’ style, minute hand, central seconds hand and a slender 24-hour hand in red color and triangle pointer. The design of hour-markers also changed. For example, from this new reference Rolex began using circle hour-markers for 1, 2,4,5,7,8,10 and 11, where as the Ref.1655 features rectangular indices for the same. The triangle maker at 12H, the large rectangular hour-markers at 6H and 9H, and the date display at 3H remain unchanged in all Explorer II watch models. The functional improvement introduced in this reference was the independently adjustable 24-hour hand. It enabled simultaneous reading of the time in two time-zones, like a GMT watch. However, the 24-hour fixed bezel design remains unchanged. Rolex ceased the production of reference 16550 in 1989. Rolex 16570 / Photo Credit: Instagram The subsequent evolution in the Explorer II family is the reference 16570. Introduced in 1989, Rolex continued the production of this model until 2011, making it one of the longest produced series in the history of the Swiss watch giant. This reference retained most of the features of its previous model, like the 40mm diameter oyster case, jumping local hour hand, black and white dials, the slim 24-h hand in red color, and the fixed bezel. In this new version, Rolex used updated movements. The Rolex Explorer II 16570 models produced from 1989 to 2005 are equipped with caliber 3185 while the models from 2005 to 2011 house the caliber 3186. These self-winding movements were made in-house and rated for 50 hours power reserve. All Explorer II models manufactured until 1998 had tritium lumes and those made from 1998 to 1999 had Luminova. In 1999, Rolex replaced Luminova with Super-Luminova. So the explorers produced between 1999 and 2011 have the Super-Luminova luminescent coating on their hands and indices. Rolex 216570 White In 2011, on the 40th anniversary of the collection, Rolex launched a large version of the Explorer II watch. Featuring a 42mm diameter Oyster case, the reference is 216570 brought in some design changes and functional improvements. The so-called Super case (maxi case) in stainless steel has chunky crown guards and wide lugs. Rolex also enhanced the size of hour-markers and the hands. To fit with the 42mm case, Rolex developed a new automatic dual-time movement, the Caliber 3187. Available in black or white dial, this reference also marked the return of the large, orange-colored 24 hour hand. Another key design enhancement was the introduction of the brand’s proprietary lume Chromalight, which emits an attractive blue radiance in comparison with the green glow of Super-Luminova. The Rolex Explorer II price vary depends upon the reference and the year of production. It costs about HK $100,000 each for the latest Explorer II 216570 watch. Older production models of the same reference (for example: Rolex Explorer ii 2017) might be available in lesser prices.  Conclusion Before wrapping up, let us go through some interesting facts about the Rolex Explorer II watch series. All Explorer II watch models are traditionally made of oyster steel, and are water resistant to 100 meters. Three case diameters have been used since the induction: 39mm (for reference 1655), 40mm (for references 16550 and 16570) and 42mm (for reference 216570).In comparison with the rotatable bezels of GMT Master II and Submariner models, the Explorer II watches feature a fixed 24-hour graduated-bezel in stainless steel. It remained the stand-out feature of all Explorer II models produced since its induction. The bezel of the first reference (Ref.1655) feature lines for odd numbers and digits for even numbers. In all other references, triangle shape markers have been used for odd numbers and digits for even numbers.All Explorer II watches feature an extra hour-hand in addition to the hour, minute and second hands. In the first reference (Ref.1655), this hand has been used solely for distinguishing night-hours from day-hours along with the graduated 24-hour bezel. In the subsequent references (16550, 16570 and 216570), the wearer could also track a second time-zone with the 24-hour hand. Due to this add-on function, all modern Explorer II references can be used as a great traveler’s watch. The references 1655 and 216570 have a large, orange color 24-hour hand where as a slim, red hand has been used in 16550 and 16570 versions.All Explorer II watch models house extremely precise self-winding movements with perpetual rotors. The calibers are: Cal.1575 in reference 1655, Cal. 3085 in reference 16550, Cal. 3185 or 3186 in reference 16570, and Cal. 3187 in reference 216570. All of them are superlative chronometer movements and have instantaneous date function at 3 o’ clock.The Explorer II series offers limited dial colors only. The reference 1655 was made with black dial only and all the other three references offer black and white versions. As on date, there are no other dial colors available other than black and white.The nickname given by enthusiastic collectors for the reference 1655 is Freccione, which is the Italian word for ‘Orange hand.’ The “Polar Explorer” is the nickname of Rolex Explorer II reference 16570 with a white dial.The reference 16550 models had some dial painting defects. Due to this, the color of white dials gradually changed into cream after some years and the black dials began developing cracks. Interestingly, these imperfections made the particular Explorer II reference, a highly sought-after collector’s model.

Even if you are not familiar with watches, you should have seen the image of Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116500LN mentioned on social media. The Rolex 116500LN made its debut in 2016. In these few years it has become one of the most sought after watches in the world. Waiting lists at authorized Rolex retailers are year-long and still growing. It is almost impossible to get this watch at retail price unless you are super lucky. Following its predecessor Rolex 116520, Rolex Daytona 116500 model has succeeded the title of best steel luxury sports watch. Rolex Daytona 116500LN actually shares many similarities with the old steel Daytona 116520, but in an upgraded version. Let’s see how amazing this one of the hottest Rolex watches is.  History of Rolex Cosmograph Daytona When you first put on a Rolex Daytona watch, you are also putting on Rolex’s cultural baggage, including knowledge of its achievements, and of its huge distribution to watchmaking history. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was introduced in 1963. It was designed to especially meet the needs of professional racing drivers. Its reliable chronograph and bezel with tachymetric scale allow motor racing drivers to measure their average speeds accurately. An icon eternally joined in name and function to the high performance world of motor sport. The Rolex Daytona chronographs joined in and performed exceptionally well in the world of motor sport. Especially after it was spotted with the famous actor Paul Newman. It had become an important category of Rolex watches to have in its portfolio. After the launch of the Rolex 6239, the Daytona Rolex watch enjoyed over 50 years of popularity. It has undergone tremendous technical enhancements and some of the most popular models have been replaced with more advanced versions.  At that time, the Cosmograph Daytona was usually available in the luxurious metals, including Everose gold, yellow gold, and platinum, while the only steel Daytona 116520 was almost impossible to get. The market was hungering for the birth of 116500LN. The Rolex Daytona 116500LN price has skyrocketed due to its rarity. The Introduction of Rolex 116500LN For many Rolex lovers, the launch of Rolex Daytona 116500LN filled a void that had been missing in the Rolex family when all other Rolex sporty collections in steel had ceramic bezels except for the Daytona.  Launch of Rolex 116500LN The Rolex Daytona 116500LN was launched in 2016 Baselworld and created a huge hit in the market. The Rolex lovers have been waiting for the first steel Daytona with black ceramic bezel since the 2013 50th anniversary of the Cosmograph Daytona. The 116500LN Rolex watch is more of an evolution rather than a revolution in both design and technology we can find in its other Daytana family members. As it was introduced to replace 116520 which was discontinued right after its launch, there are a bunch of discussions about the comparison of both 2 steel Daytona watches.  Feature Upgrades of Rolex Daytona 116500LN Regarding the overall design, the new Daytona 116500 and its predecessor Daytona 116520 share plenty of traits.Indeed, as you should also know, 116500LN is an updated version of 116200. You will find some upgrades on the new steel Daytona 116500LN.  Design of Rolex Daytona 116500LN First, Rolex Daytona 116500 is a steel Daytona model crafted in Rolex exclusive 904L Oystersteel, which offers both incredible resistance to corrosion and a beautiful finish.  The watch sports a 40mm Oystersteel case with Rolex patented screw-down chrono pushers and winding crown. It is equipped with the Rolex iconic sporty Oystersteel bracelet with the flat three-piece link design. The Daytonas are smaller than other Rolex sporty models like the Rolex Submariner. They have been recognised as well-fitting ones among Rolex watches.  What mainly makes the Rolex Daytona 116500LN distinctive from the Daytona 116520 is the bezel. The steel bezel with a tachymeter scale was replaced with Cerachrom bezel for 116500LN. The black bezel has had Rolex fans beside themselves with excitement. Cerachrom is Rolex’s patented ceramic with a layer of gold or platinum coat to fill the engraved markings on the bezel. The ceramic bezel of 116500LN is highly resistant to scratching and fading. The watch can retain its perfect looks for years. As for the dials, just like its predecessor Daytona 116520, the Daytona 116500LN comes with 2 variations, either a black or a white dial complementing the black bezel.  The dials have the familiar 3/6/9 layout of three subdials.  The central sweep seconds hand of the Daytona watch allows an accurate reading of 1/8 second. The two counters on the dial show the elapsed time in hours and minutes. The time is displayed centrally, and the running seconds are displayed on the sub-dial above six o’clock.  The dial also has the red-coloured signature DAYTONA label which sits above the minute timer. Yet the new dials have larger contrasting rims on the sub-dials, giving them this little ‘panda’ edge.  Movement of Rolex Daytona 116500LN Following its preceding model Daytona 116520, the Rolex Daytona 116500LN houses Rolex in-house caliber 4130 automatic chronograph movement. It is a certified chronometer like other Rolex Perpetual movements.  In July 2015, Rolex redefined their Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified label that their watches would have a better accuracy rating of 2/+2 seconds per day. The 4130 movement was certified first by the COSC and then regulated to the Superlative Chronometer standard. On 116500LN, the updated caliber is housed with a Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and accuracy rating of ±2 seconds a day, while the COSC standard is -4/+6.  Wrap Up With all the fantasy and history that have accreted over the watch, it’s almost impossible to see Daytona 116500LN simply as a watch.  Like some iconic models of Rolex watches, it is very likely to hold its value over the years. If you are lucky to get it, you can take a lot of pleasure in aspects of the Daytona.  As we all know, buying a luxury watch is all about personal taste that has nothing to do only with the qualities as a watch. Whether you decide to opt for the new steel Daytona 116500LN or any other Rolex watch such as the old steel Daytona 116520, you can never go wrong with the Rolex chronographs.

The Rolex Daytona 116520 has been launched for over 20 years. It has gained massive popularity since its debut in 2000 until its successor Rolex 116500 debuted in 2016. Since then, the steel Daytona 116520 has not only been a precious model that becomes growingly difficult to obtain, but also an icon model among luxury chronograph watches. History of Rolex Cosmograph Daytona The Rolex Daytona collection made its debut in 1963. It became popular quickly after the actor Paul Newman had been spotted with a Daytona 6239. This specific watch has become a legendary watch that has been sold at auction recently for $17.8m.  Featuring a tachymetric scale, 40mm case size, & wide variety of metal options, the Cosmograph Daytona is a highly sought-after chronograph, both new & used. Before its launch, Rolex registered the “Cosmograph” name in 1955, and introduced a solid-looking Cosmograph watch 6238 in 1961 without “Daytona” in the name. In 1963 Rolex launched the first official Cosmograph Daytona reference 6239. It was commonly called “Daytona” after Rolex’s association with the Daytona International Speedway began in 1962. It is the first generation of Rolex Daytona watches that offered both metal bezels and acrylic bezels.  The second generation of Rolex Daytona 16520 was introduced in 1988 and in production until 2000. The Rolex 16520 is often called “Zenith Daytona” as it was equipped with the caliber that was based on the Zenith El Primero movement.  What You Should Know about Rolex Daytona 116520 Launch of The Rolex 116520 In 2000, Rolex launched the Daytona 116520 as the third Daytona generation. It has made a remarkable update with a fully in-house Rolex calibre 4130. The reference 116520 Rolex watch has made some minor aesthetic modifications on the dial compared to Rolex 16520. It became one of the most in-demand luxury chronograph watches of all time. The waiting lists for it started to span years, and the Rolex Daytona prices on the secondary market skyrocketed.  Why Rolex Daytona 116520 Became a Popular Model Year 2000 witnessed the debut of the Rolex Daytona 116520. There are two main reasons for its overwhelming popularity. First of all, it is well known for its in-house Rolex 4130 caliber. It was big news to the Rolex fans because it marked the transition for Daytona watches from a Zenith El Primero based movement to a complete in-house Rolex movement.  Source: Rolex Official The Rolex 4130 is an incredible caliber that it was one of the lowest component count automatic chronograph calibers on the market. It has just 201 parts in total that is much less than some 3-hand automatic movements out there. Rolex Daytona 116520 is the first chronograph watch that housed the first Rolex in-house caliber. It raised many discussions between the watch lovers and further strengthened the prestige status of Rolex chronograph watches.  Besides, it started to develop part of Rolex culture – the stainless steel sports model. The steel Daytona 116520 is a more casual looking and sportier chronograph than its other family members. It made it easier and practical to wear on a daily basis. On the other hand, the steel version gave the opportunity for Rolex to set the Daytona price for customers in different ranges and allow them to get this limited edition in hand. Features of Rolex Daytona 116520 The steel Daytona 116520 has two variations, one with a black-silver dial, and the other one with a white-silver dial. As mentioned, this Rolex watch is powered by an in-house automatic chronograph movement with 44 jewels. It is a Swiss made Rolex Certified Chronometer. This powerful caliber is housed in a 40mm stainless steel case made of the highest quality Rolex steel. The bezel is also high polished steel with a sporty tachymeter scale engraved around it.  As for wearability, the Rolex Daytona 116520 comes as a compact package with 40mm wide, around 47mm lug-to-lug and 12mm thick. It is about the same thickness with a Rolex Submariner. Both watches are also equipped with a Triplock screw-down crown which is easy to operate. The Daytona also contains a depth rating of 100m or 330ft with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. It has a laser-etched coronet located at 6:00 as a security measure to distinguish whether a Rolex is genuine or not. Beneath the glass, there is no date window, no GMT and no power reserve display featured on this Daytona. The dial sits with silver rings circling three subdials. The second hands are placed at 6:00, the 30 minute dial is at 3:00, and the 12 hour indicator at 9:00. Comparison: Rolex 116520 vs Rolex 116500 Rolex 116500 Around 16 years after the launch of iconic Daytona 116520, the new Daytona 116500 was introduced as its successor. Both the Rolex Daytona 116500 and the Daytona 116520 offer two variations, with either a white dial or a black dial. The design of the new Daytona 116500 and the preceding Daytona 116520 share quite a lot of common traits. Regarding the material, they’re both stainless steel models made by Rolex 904L steel. They are highly resistant to corrosion and have a fantastic sheen.  Besides, both Daytona 116520 and 116500 have a 40mm Oyster case equipped with screw-down pushers, the Rolex Triplock screw-down crown, and a fluted caseback to maintain 100m depth water resistance.  Rolex 116500 The most visible difference between the Daytona 116520 and the 116500 should be their bezel. The old steel Daytona, Rolex 116520 features a steel bezel engraved with the tachymeter scale. On the other hand, the new steel Daytona Rolex 116500 comes with a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel. The Cerachrom is said to be scratch resistant and received overwhelming responses from Rolex lovers all over the world. To date, many of Rolex’s steel sports watches, like the new versions of Rolex Submariner, Rolex GMT Master II and Yacht Master II, would feature the incredible ceramic bezel. Before the launch of 116500 however, only gold and platinum versions among the Daytona watches were available with a ceramic bezel. So when the new steel Daytona 116500 was finally introduced with the long-waited Cerachrom ceramic bezel, it was a mega hit on the market. Wrap Up Although the Daytona 116520 is no longer in production after the launch of its successor, it still remains its popularity in the secondary market.  It offers the classic and iconic Rolex Daytona image that will always be admired.

Rolex Daytona is one of the best and most admired mechanical chronograph wristwatches ever made. Primarily created for racing drivers and motorsports professionals, this sports chronograph from the celebrated Swiss watch brand has been considered as a holy grail by seasoned horology enthusiasts. Appropriately named after the famous Daytona Beach City in Florida in the United States, this iconic timepiece embodies the luxury brand’s extraordinary fervour for motor racing and fierce passion for speed. Known simply as “Daytona,” the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona has been renowned for its superior reliability and outstanding performance as a perfect luxury tool watch dedicated to automobile racing arena. Boasting a timeless design, this elegant yet robust chronograph graciously provides precise and efficient timekeeping functionality along with a highly legible dial and the extremely durable exterior. Introduced in 1963, the Rolex Daytona family has been evolved tremendously all the way through three generations. The first generation models feature manual wound movements, the second series with self-winding and the third series with the Rolex’s first in-house chronograph self-winding calibre. In 2013, this iconic watch collection celebrated its 50th anniversary. In 2017, a rare vintage Rolex Daytona Paul Newman (reference 6239) surpassed the existing records and became the most expensive wristwatch sold at auction.  Daytona Beach – The “World Centre of Automobile Racing” Ideally located in the east-central part of the U.S. state of Florida, Daytona Beach is a city with a rich heritage in motor sports. The hard-packed sand at the Daytona Beach enabled the motor sports legends to beat land-speed records. From 1903 to 1935, several attempts were made by racing enthusiasts to test their cars at the beach. The most prominent among the automobile pioneers was Sir Malcolm Campbell who achieved a top speed of 276 mph (445 km/h) at Daytona Beach with his Bluebird V.  This was the last record set on the beach in Daytona. Although the further land-speed attempts were relocated to a new site, the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, Daytona Beach maintained its status in automobile racing by hosting motorsports championships. Following this longstanding tradition NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Racing) was born in 1948 in Daytona. In the 1950s, the authorities decided to create a permanent, hard-surface racetrack for the speed races. Inaugurated in 1959, the Daytona International Speedway was the fastest racing circuit in the United States. It hosted “Daytona Continental” racing event in 1962, one year before the official launch of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona.  From the first editions of the Daytona Continental, the winners have received a Rolex Cosmograph watch in addition to the trophy. And not long afterwards, to emphasize the Swiss watch brand’s enduring relationship with this iconic racetrack, Rolex named their chronograph model the Cosmograph Daytona. Since 1966, the Daytona International Speedway has been hosting The Rolex 24 At Daytona® (earlier known as The 24 Hours of Daytona). It is one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world alongside the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1992, Rolex was appointed as the Title Sponsor of the 24 Hours of Daytona and since then this racing event has been called the Rolex 24 At Daytona®. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Collection Rolex has been producing mechanical chronograph watches since the 1930s. The early generation Rolex chronographs also incorporated auxiliary functions on the dial, such as tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer. In 1939, the premium brand introduced the first chronograph with a waterproof Oyster case. The introduction of daytona rolex chronographs in the 1960s represents a significant milestone in the illustrious history of the most admired watch brand in the world. The First Series The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was launched in 1963 as a sports tool watch dedicated to racing drivers. The Daytona models produced from 1963 until 1988 typically come under the Original (first) series. All of them had customized and modified manual wound movements based on the legendary Valjoux Calibre 72. The Cosmograph Daytona watch shows up with a highly legible three-counter layout featuring strongly contrasting tone: black on a light coloured dial or a light colour on a black dial. Made of stainless steel or 18-carat gold, these Cosmograph watches also featured a tachymeter bezel. The notable references from the Original series are 6239, 6240, 6241,6262,6263,6264 and 6265. Depending upon the reference, Daytona featured engraved metal bezel or acrylic bezel insert. The first series models were fitted with acrylic crystal glasses. Daytona 6239 / Source: Instagram The reference 6239 was the first Rolex model to have the ‘COSMOGRAPH’ inscription on the dial. The earliest rolex cosmograph daytona models did not feature the DAYTONA inscription. This reference also features the so-called pump pushbuttons for operating chronograph functions. Launched in 1965, the reference 6240 introduced screw-down chronograph pushers instead of the pump pushers found on the original model. This specific reference had enhanced water resistance in comparison with the first model. Nowadays, the Original Cosmograph Daytona series models have been highly sought after by vintage watch collectors. Among them, the variants with Exotic dials are extremely rare. These variants sell for staggering prices during vintage watch auctions. They have been known as “Paul Newman” Daytonas because the legendary American film actor and racing diver Paul Newman wore one of these timepieces.  Rolex Daytona Paul Newman / Source: Instagram On 26th October 2017, a Rolex Daytona watch formerly owned by the actor Paul Newman was sold for US$17.75 million by Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo in New York City. It was a world record in terms of price achieved by a single wristwatch during auctions. In November 2019, a unique Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime watch was auctioned for US$31.19 million at the Only Watch charity event. This unique piece surpassed the record and became the most expensive wrist wristwatch ever sold at auction. As on date, the above-said paul newman daytona remains the second most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction. In December 2020, a Rolex “Big Red” Daytona (Ref. 6263) owned by Paul Newman was sold for US $5.5 Million during RACING PULSE, Phillips’ Flagship New York Watch Auction.  The Second Series In 1988, Rolex undertook the production of second series of Cosmograph Daytona watches. The brand equipped this new series with modified self-winding Calibre 3019PHC. This high-frequency chronograph movement was originally manufactured by Swiss brand Zenith and Rolex customized it according to its specifications. The first Daytona watch to be equipped the modified Zenith El Primero movement was the reference 16520. Rolex replaced more than 50 per cent of the components of the Zenith Calibre 3019PHC with parts specifically designed for its movements. The resulting new calibre 4030 included an in-house oscillator with a variable inertia balance wheel, Microstella regulating nuts and a hairspring with a Breguet overcoil – as well as a self-winding module with a Perpetual rotor. The movement was systematically submitted for official COSC certification to receive the designation of the chronometer. All versions of the new model featured the “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” on their dial as well as “Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona”. For the second series watches, Rolex increased the diameter of the Oyster case from 36 to 40 mm and included shoulders to protect the crown. The tachymeter bezel in metal was made wider and engraved with a 400-unit graduated scale. The dial was also modernized, while preserving its inimitable style and its signature “Daytona” in red letters. In addition, Rolex equipped the Secind series models with sapphire crystal glass instead of the acrylic crystal of the original series. Rolex produced a number of references in this series in limited quantities until 2000. The brand used five digit reference numbers to denote the models of the second generation Daytona watches. The Third Series Rolex Daytona 116520 In 2000, Rolex introduced the modern generation of Cosmograph Daytona watches. The Third series is comprised of Daytonas equipped with Rolex’s first in-house self-winding chronograph movement, the Calibre 4130. The watches from the third series can be identified by their six digit reference numbers. The debut model of the new generation Rolex Daytona series was the reference 116520. This stainless steel model features stainless steel bezel engraved with tachymeter scale. In 2016, the reference 116500 replaced the Rolex Daytona 116520. The new generation models feature some design enhancements on their dial side. For example, the two sub-dials at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions are now aligned slightly above the centre of the dial, and the small seconds has been relocated from the 9 o’clock to the 6 o’clock. The new-generation self-winding chronograph movement – calibre 4130 – has been entirely designed and manufactured by Rolex. This extremely reliable and high-performance movement incorporates a vertical clutch to activate the stopwatch function, instead of the traditional lateral clutch. This ensures extremely precise starting, and stopping of the chronograph seconds hand as soon as the pusher is pressed. Its larger mainspring offers the power reserve to 72 hours, instead of the previous 50 hours.  The larger balance wheel, equipped with the Rolex micrometric regulating system via Microstella nuts, ensures extraordinary precision. The new Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with the Parachrom hairspring, which offers superior shock and temperature resistances as well as exceptional antimagnetic properties. It was also the first Rolex movement to bear its name engraved on the oscillating weight: a curving “Daytona” in red letters recalling the name on the dial. Rolex Daytona 116523 G Black G/18k gold The iconic brand subsequently added new references to the third generation Daytona watches. In 2001, the new generation bicolor Rolex Daytona reference 116523 made of stainless steel and 18 carat yellow gold was introduced. Rolex launched an 18 ct EVEROSE gold version with Monobloc black CERACHROM in 2011, and in the following year, the Cosmograph Daytona Jewel variant was introduced. The innovative CERACHROM bezel of the above-mentioned rose gold Daytona watch was developed in house by Rolex. Rolex Daytona 116576 TBR In 2013, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Daytona family, Rolex released a special edition Platinum version. This anniversary edition has been equipped with a chestnut brown monobloc Cerachrom bezel and an ice blue dial. In 2014, Rolex introduced 116576 TBR, a jewellery version featuring platinum case, diamond paved dial and baguette-cut diamond set bezel. In 2016, the brand introduced reference 116500ln, the new Cosmograph daytona panda version in stainless steel case and fitted with a black Cerachrom bezel. In 2017, Rolex introduced three new Cosmograph Daytona versions in 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold. All these new versions feature monobloc Cerachrom bezel in black ceramic. In 2018, Rolex added a gem-set version of the 18 ct Everose gold Daytona watch. A gem set version of the 18 ct yellow gold Daytona watch was released in 2019. Conclusion Although a much sought-after collection, the Cosmograph Daytona watches are extremely rare to find in the market. Rolex typically follow a strict limited production strategy for this prominent family of valuable watches. So, it requires longer waiting periods to acquire one via authorized dealers. It is one of the most preferred wristwatches for investment purpose. The Original Series Daytona watches manufactured from 1963 to 1988, especially the Exotic dial variants come with astounding price tags due to their rarity and the incredible stories (And some mysteries!) associated with them. Typically, a watch with an incredible history persuades more admirers. For example, the subtle features that distinguishes an “Exotic” or “Paul Newman” variant from a conventional Daytona model are some minor differences in their dial and counters. It is to be noted that Rolex never officially used the Paul Newman designation to denote their “Exotic” dial variants. This expression has been used by the ardent admirers as Paul Newman had an “Exotic” dial version of the Daytona watch. Due to this link up with the renowned film star, the so-called “Paul Newman” variants attracts wealthy watch collectors who are ready to spend huge amounts to acquire rare and celebrated wristwatches. Interestingly, when it was launched in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona had a retail price of US$ 300 only. Today, depending upon the rarity and vintage value, a Cosmograph Daytona watch can cost from tens of thousands of dollars to multi-million dollars. Their record-breaking achievements during the prestigious auctions certify the investment potential of Cosmograph Daytona watches. The mind-blowing transition of Cosmograph Daytona from a tool watch for racing divers to the world’s most preferred luxury steel chronograph is a major triumph in the history of Rolex. This impressive chronograph collection will always remain as an ultimate icon representing the superior watchmaking traditions.