Rolex Daytona
The Rolex Daytona: An Iconic Racing Watch
The Rolex Daytona watch has become the icon of the luxury watch sector since its release in 1963. It remains one of the brand's most popular models, with the Cosmograph Daytona an extremely sought-after timepiece due to its increasing rarity.
A highly reliable watch, the Rolex Daytona focused largely on the demands of racing drivers in its development. The model's most striking feature is its tachymeter bezel, with the chronograph function activated by the two pushers on the right side. These are bolted, like the crown, making them watertight. The chronograph movement reacts without any loss of time, thanks to the coordinated pushers.
This model also features three visually striking sub-dials which are coloured in the variants of the current collection. Their self-winding calibre 4130 guarantees optimum precision, even in the event of temperature changes and shocks. The Rolex Daytona measures speeds in miles or kilometres per hour, making it the perfect timepiece for meeting the demands of racing.
A Brief History
The Daytona collection uses a range of metals to give each watch its luxurious appearance. If you're looking to buy a pre-owned Rolex Daytona, it's worth considering special edition and vintage models in precious metals, as well as classic steel models.
The Daytona was named after Daytona Beach in Florida, in honour of the car races that had taken place there since 1903. Rolex had produced a chronograph designed to meet racing drivers' needs as early as 1930. However, it wasn't called the Daytona at that time and merely had the inscription ‘Chronograph’ on the dial.
In 1961, Rolex produced the Pre-Daytona, as it is called today, which retailed for £150 at the time. It is now valued at £15,000. Further establishing their name in racing, Rolex became the official timepiece provider for the Daytona International Speedway's race events in 1962.
Rolex brought out the first Daytona with the reference 6239 in 1963. Only the models intended for the US market had the word ‘Daytona’ on the dial, in red lettering, at first. Later, it became common for all models.
With the Daytona having been designed specifically for use in motor racing, it has a wider bezel than the comparable models of rival manufacturers. It can measure average speeds of up to 400 kilometres per hour.
Rolex Daytona Prices
If you're looking at
pre-owned Rolex watches, Rolex Daytona watches can start at around £21,000. Depending on a variety of factors, such as rarity and metal, some pre-owned Rolex Daytona watches can also go into six figures.
Over the years there have been many iconic Rolex Daytona models which have attracted watch collectors and buyers. The Rolex Daytona stainless steel Ref. 116500LN features the famous Oyster bracelet and black ceramic bezel. With dials in black and white - can be bought pre-owned from around £34,500.
The predecessor of the Ref. 116500LN, the Cosmograph Daytona 116520, with a stainless steel case, also has dials available in black or white, and has a bezel made of stainless steel. Depending on the condition of the watch and various other factors, a pre-owned 116520 Daytona model can have prices ranging from £21,000 - £36,000.
There are many watch collectors and buyers around the world who seek out Daytona variants, whether it’s modern releases or historical ones. There are a few rare vintage watches like the Daytona 6265 in yellow gold from 1983 which can be worth up to £130,000.
Famous Wearers Of Daytona: The Paul Newman Daytona
Many collectors look at what the celebrities are wearing when it comes to choosing a timepiece. There are many famous wearers of Rolex Daytona watches, now and in years gone by. British motor racing driver Malcolm Campbell, who drove regularly in Daytona racing and broke the speed record nine times, wore an early model of the Cosmograph Daytona, both for racing and privately.
However, A-list actor Paul Newman is perhaps the most famous wearer of the Daytona. He was never sponsored by Rolex, but the watch he chose, the Daytona Ref. 6239, was unofficially referred to as the ‘Paul Newman Daytona’. Newman was also a racing driver in his spare time, making him a great unofficial
brand ambassador.
His model had the white exotic dial, which was part of a small rare batch making the model a real star for collectors today. Newman's second wife, Joanne Woodward, even had his Daytona watch engraved with the words ‘Drive Carefully’.
The original Paul Newman Daytona became the world’s most expensive watch ever sold at auction in 2021. The Paul Newman Rolex Oyster Cosmograph Daytona (ref. 6239) sold at auction for a world record $17,752,500.
The Rolex Daytona as an Investment
Whether you’re interested in the iconic 116500LN or the classic 116520, pre-owned Rolex Daytona watches have become exceptionally popular over recent years and have therefore become a safe investment. Most models are appreciating in value at a significant rate.
Looking into
its history, there are plenty of incredible Daytona timepieces from both the 2000s or the 1900s which are in perfect quality and condition. Collectors of Rolex models can browse from a selection of pre-owned, unworn, and vintage Daytona watches in platinum, yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and stainless steel.
With pre-owned Rolex watches becoming desirable collectors' items, browse our online selection to find your ideal watch at a great price.
