Rolex Daytona 40 116506
A modern interpretation of a true industry classic, the Rolex Daytona platinum edition marks half a century of watchmaking history. Released in 2013 to mark the model’s 50th anniversary, the Rolex Daytona reference 116506 caused quite a stir among collectors upon its initial launch.
While the platinum Daytona met a lot of expectations (such as featuring a Cerachrom bezel and Rolex’s in-house Caliber 4130 chronograph movement), it also subverted them by making that ceramic bezel brown and crafting the entire watch and bracelet from the noblest of precious metals: solid 950 platinum.
The Rolex Daytona 116506 is an exquisite timepiece that has skyrocketed in popularity over the last couple of years. The once unaccepted Rolex Daytona collection has made giant strides since its early days of inception. Buyers enjoy the 116506 because of the platinum case, and the time-tested calibre 4130 in-house COSC certified movement.
In today’s market there might not be any other watch that is in demand like the Rolex Daytona 116506. They are nearly impossible to find in a case at an authorized dealer and are fetching a premium on the pre-owned market. We attribute the collections stunning aesthetics and movement combined with the massive brand that produces the 116506. When watch enthusiasts think of a sports watch chronograph, it’s either a Daytona or the Moonwatch which come to mind.
The 116506 is engineered with a 40mm platinum case, Oyster bracelet, ceramic bezel, and sapphire crystal. As far as accuracy goes the 116506 is in great hands with the 4130 calibre. The 116506 is accurate up to +/-2 seconds per day, holds a power reserve of 72 hours, has a bi-directional rotor, and comes fitted with at Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring to reduce magnetic interference. Overall the Rolex Daytona 116506 is a very attractive luxury chronograph for any horological enthusiast.
Featured on the Rolex Daytona 116506 is a centre hour / minute / second hand, small seconds sub dial (6 o’clock), tachymeter scale on the bezel, chronograph centre hand (1/8 second accurate), 30 minute counter sub dial (3 o’clock), 12 hour counter sub dial (9 o’clock), and a stop seconds to assist with accurate time setting.
The Daytona International Speedway was opened in 1959 as the fastest racing circuit in the country, and it quickly became home to the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona endurance race in 1962. Rolex was also appointed the Official Timepiece of the Daytona International Speedway, and to highlight the strong link to the famous racetrack, the following year Rolex named its new racing chronograph the Cosmograph Daytona.
Released in 2013, the Rolex Daytona Platinum reference 116506 marked the model’s 50th anniversary. It was and continues to be, a hugely prized yet controversial model. However, as is often the case with controversies of this nature, the dispute surrounding the “appropriateness” of platinum – a noble metal – being used as the casing material of Rolex’s most famous sports chronograph only serves to deepen its appeal to those that find the pairing comfortable.
Upon its release, the model – which features a strangely rich colorway for a sports chronograph of ice blue and chestnut brown – caused a stir due to its perceived niche appeal. However, Rolex was entirely unflustered. How mainstream did an all-platinum chronograph costing tens of thousands of dollars need to be?
The kind of customer Rolex was targeting no doubt relished the obvious discernment required to own such an opinion-splitting timepiece. It is, in short, an example of true luxury. In fact, it might well be the most luxurious non-stone-encrusted watch the most well-known luxury watch brand has ever produced. In those terms, that stratospheric retail price starts to seem like a bargain…
