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    Rolex Daytona

    The Rolex Daytona: An Iconic Racing Watch

    Since its launch in 1963, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona has become one of the most recognisable and sought-after luxury watches in the world. Originally developed with professional racing drivers in mind, the Daytona is known for its precision, durability, and unmistakable design. Its standout features include a tachymeter bezel for measuring speed and screw-down chronograph pushers, which enhance both performance and waterproofness. The watch is powered by Rolex’s in-house calibre 4130 movement, which is self-winding and known for its reliability under a range of conditions, including temperature fluctuations and shocks. With the ability to measure speeds in miles or kilometres per hour, the Daytona remains a benchmark for motorsport-inspired timekeeping.

    A Brief History

    The Daytona takes its name from Daytona Beach, Florida, a hub for land speed records and home to the Daytona International Speedway. Rolex’s connection to motorsport dates back to the early 20th century, but the first watch to bear the Daytona name was the reference 6239, released in 1963. Initially, only models sold in the U.S. featured the “Daytona” label in red on the dial - a feature that would later become standard across all markets. Earlier chronographs produced by Rolex in the 1930s and the early '60s are now known as Pre-Daytonas and are highly collectable.

    Over the years, the Daytona has evolved through three generations

    Manual-wind models (Valjoux-based) through the 1960s–1980s

    Automatic Zenith-powered Daytonas (1988–2000)

    The modern in-house movement era, starting in 2000, featuring six-digit references

    For a comprehensive overview of Daytona models and reference numbers, refer to our Rolex Daytona Models and Reference Numbers guide.

    Rolex Daytona Prices

    As of 2025, pre-owned Rolex Daytona watches typically start at around £22,000 for early steel automatic models. Prices rise significantly depending on reference, material, and rarity.

    Here’s an overview of key models and their current price ranges:

    Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116500LN (Ceramic bezel, steel): from around £22,000 - £42,000

    Ref. 116520 (predecessor with steel bezel): ranges from £20,000 - £36,000, depending on condition

    Zenith-era Daytonas (e.g. Ref. 16520): from £24,000 - £40,000+

    Vintage models (e.g. Ref. 6263, 6265): from £60,000, with rare variants into six figures

    Daytona 6265 in yellow gold (1980s): can reach up to £135,000, particularly in excellent condition

    Prices for all Daytonas have remained strong due to limited supply and global demand, especially for stainless steel references.

    Famous Wearers: The Paul Newman Daytona

    One of the most famous Daytona owners was actor and racing enthusiast Paul Newman, whose Ref. 6239 with a white exotic dial became known as the Paul Newman Daytona. Though not officially endorsed by Rolex, Newman’s regular use of the watch helped elevate its status among collectors. The actual watch worn by Newman, engraved by his wife Joanne Woodward with the words “Drive Carefully,” was sold at auction in 2021 for $17.8 million, making it one of the most expensive watches ever sold. Learn more in our In-Depth Guide to the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona.

    The Rolex Daytona as an Investment

    The Daytona's enduring popularity and limited production contribute to its strong investment potential. Models like the 116500LN and vintage references have shown consistent value appreciation. Collectors often seek out variants in stainless steel, gold, and platinum, with some special editions, like the Rolex Rainbow Daytona, commanding premium prices.
    Read more

    Daytona

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    1. Rolex Daytona White Dial 116528
      Rolex Daytona White Dial 116528 £29,000.00
      £29,000.00
      01092501
    2. Rolex Daytona White Gold Blue Dial 116509
      Rolex Daytona White Gold Blue Dial 116509 £32,500.00
      £32,500.00
      18072501
    3. Rolex Zenith Movement Cosmograph Daytona Stainless Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Rare Mark I Floating Dial B&P 16523
      Rolex Zenith Movement Cosmograph Daytona Stainless Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Rare Mark I Floating Dial B&P 16523 £26,000.00
      £26,000.00
      29051903
    4. Rolex Zenith Movement Cosmograph Daytona Stainless Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Rare Champagne Mark I Floating Dial B&P 16523
      Rolex Zenith Movement Cosmograph Daytona Stainless Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Rare Champagne Mark I Floating Dial B&P 16523 £24,500.00
      £24,500.00
      24051901
    5. Rolex Zenith Daytona Inverted 6 16518
      Rolex Zenith Daytona Inverted 6 16518 £24,950.00
      £24,950.00
      07122201
    6. Rolex Daytona NOS 116523
      Rolex Daytona NOS 116523 £21,500.00
      £21,500.00
      18012205
    7. Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Dial 116528
      Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Dial 116528 £33,500.00
      £33,500.00
      15122201
    8. Rolex Zenith Daytona Patrizzi Dial 16520
      Rolex Zenith Daytona Patrizzi Dial 16520 £32,500.00
      £32,500.00
      24112203
    9. Rolex Daytona Black Dial 116520
      Rolex Daytona Black Dial 116520 £16,950.00
      £16,950.00
      06122202
    10. Rolex Daytona Rare Panna Cream Dial 116520
      Rolex Daytona Rare Panna Cream Dial 116520 £20,000.00
      £20,000.00
      12022204
    11. Rolex Zenith Daytona R Series Floating Dial 16528
      Rolex Zenith Daytona R Series Floating Dial 16528 £65,000.00
      £57,500.00
      07052201
    12. Rolex Daytona NOS Black Dial 116520
      Rolex Daytona NOS Black Dial 116520 £32,000.00
      £32,000.00
      22122105
    13. Rolex Daytona Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold 116523
      Rolex Daytona Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold 116523 £15,500.00
      £15,500.00
      13042302
    14. Rolex Daytona Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold 116523
      Rolex Daytona Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold 116523 £15,950.00
      £15,950.00
      26112201
    15. Rolex Daytona Black Dial 116500LN
      Rolex Daytona Black Dial 116500LN £22,500.00
      £22,500.00
      07032401
    16. Rolex Daytona White Dial 116500LN
      Rolex Daytona White Dial 116500LN £21,750.00
      £21,750.00
      22022401
    17. Rolex Daytona White Gold Racing Dial 116509
      Rolex Daytona White Gold Racing Dial 116509 £28,500.00
      £28,500.00
      30082301
    18. Rolex Zenith Daytona 4 Liner Inverted 6 200 Bezel 16523
      Rolex Zenith Daytona 4 Liner Inverted 6 200 Bezel 16523 £26,500.00
      £26,500.00
      22011904
    19. Rolex Daytona 116518
      Rolex Daytona 116518 £26,000.00
      £26,000.00
      11102201
    20. Rolex Daytona 116528
      Rolex Daytona 116528 £31,000.00
      £31,000.00
      13042301
    21. Rolex Rare Vintage Daytona Yellow Gold 6265
      Rolex Rare Vintage Daytona Yellow Gold 6265 £130,000.00
      £130,000.00
      14092201
    22. Rolex Rainbow Daytona 116595RBOW - Unworn
      Rolex Rainbow Daytona 116595RBOW - Unworn £410,000.00
      £410,000.00
      10032205
    23. Rolex NOS Daytona Black Dial 116520
      Rolex NOS Daytona Black Dial 116520 £27,000.00
      £27,000.00
      01062301
    24. Rolex NOS Daytona Black APH Dial 116520
      Rolex NOS Daytona Black APH Dial 116520 £27,950.00
      £27,950.00
      13052302
    25. Rolex Daytona Oysterflex 116518LN
      Rolex Daytona Oysterflex 116518LN £47,950.00
      £47,950.00
      03022202
    26. Rolex Daytona NOS APH Black Dial 116520
      Rolex Daytona NOS APH Black Dial 116520 £36,950.00
      £36,950.00
      07032206
    27. Rolex Daytona NOS White Dial 116520
      Rolex Daytona NOS White Dial 116520 £35,500.00
      £35,500.00
      05032204
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    27 Items

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    Display: Grid List

    27 Items

    16
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    64
    Set Ascending Direction
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