ON THE WRIST: Rolex Daytona
MONDAY JULY 21, 2025
The Cosmograph that never made it to space and instead ended up as a car glovebox diver is none other than the Rolex Daytona. I remember a decade ago when a steel version of this watch at retail cost a third of what it does today. They used to be readily available in stores, but no one really bought them. Now, we practically have to beg just to get our hands on a two-tone version. Although the new Daytona reference 126XXX was released in 2023, I prefer to look back at the 116XXX. I find it a bit more enjoyable to wear on the wrist.
PRO
Design perfection
Wrist comfort
Good feeling
CON
Readability
SPECIFICATION
40 mm Diameter
12.5 mm Thickness
100m Water Resistance
70 hours Power Reserve
47 mm Lug to Lug
A$ 30,000
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While Rolex markets it as a 40mm case, the actual dimensions are slightly smaller, which is one of the reasons the Daytona wears so well. Try putting on a Submariner right after wearing a Daytona and the difference becomes obvious. Unfortunately, this means those with larger wrists might not get the same comfortable fit.
This particular configuration features a classic black dial, highlighted with gold indices and gold accents to match its two-tone design. Rolex executed this beautifully, finishing the hour, minute, and seconds hands with exceptional attention to detail. The luminescence is surprisingly strong for a watch of this type, even though it is not strictly necessary.
Legibility can be a bit of a challenge, as there is a lot happening on the dial. There are three hands on the main dial and three subdials showing elapsed hours, minutes, and seconds. The bezel is also filled with numbers, the function of which probably only Charles Leclerc would fully understand.
The bracelet has always been one of Rolex’s strongest points. It truly sets the gold standard in terms of quality and execution. The sound that the double-locking mechanism of the Daytona bracelet makes conveys a sense of precision and refinement. This is something that will never get old. The bracelet also includes a five-millimetre tool-free extension, which is especially useful when your wrist swells throughout the day.
The calibre 4130 is Rolex’s first in-house chronograph movement and has been around for over 20 years. Despite its age, it remains impressive by modern standards. It delivers a 72-hour power reserve and kept time within one second per day during my wear. Compared to the previous Zenith-based movement, this one uses 20 percent fewer parts, which helps extend service intervals. However, most of us are not overly concerned with the numbers, as we are already captivated by the visual and emotional appeal of a Rolex Daytona.
The moment I strapped this watch on, I found myself smiling. I am not usually someone drawn to precious metals. Gold often feels too extravagant and heavy for me, but that perception changed after spending time with this watch. The yellow gold is more subdued than I expected, and the weight is surprisingly manageable. In fact, I have worn steel watches that felt more uncomfortable. A two-tone Rolex like this one is the perfect watch to wear to yum cha.
There is very little to complain about here. The main issue is the difficulty of acquiring one, especially if your wrist measures 18 centimetres or more, in which case the Daytona may look a bit comical. Fortunately, there are other options, such as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, that cater to larger wrists.
Many people express frustration with Rolex, especially when it comes to their allocation process. However, Rolex operates this way because they understand how emotionally attached people are to their watches. If I were buying a watch today, I would simply choose my favourite version of the Daytona from the grey market and be done with it. Attempting to buy one through an authorised dealer often results in nothing but blood, sweat and disappointment.
The Rolex Daytona is, without a doubt, the most emotionally engaging watch I have experienced this year. Those lucky enough to own one will know exactly what I mean, and I am certain they enjoy wearing it just as much as I did.