What is the Rolex Daytona, and Why is it So Special?
Join us in this blog as we discover the history, functions, features and configurations of one of the most iconic Rolex models, The Rolex Daytona.
The History of the Rolex Daytona
The Rolex Daytona was initially released in 1963; the watch featured an exceptional movement that boasted superb accuracy and timekeeping, perfect for race car drivers. Not only was Daytona superior to its competitors, but it also had the famous Rolex branding, making it even more appealing. Although the Rolex Daytona was released in 1963, Rolex has produced chronographs for race car drivers since 1955. Teaming up with racing legends such as Sir Malcolm Campbell and, more recently, Paul Newman helped Rolex establish itself as a brand and a necessity in the sport. Even today, Rolex still sponsor the Daytona race, and each winner is gifted a Rolex watch with a custom engraving.
The Rolex Daytona gets its name from Daytona Beach, a city in Florida. Daytona Beach is most well known for its blooming race culture in the 20th century. Believe it or not, the very first Rolex Daytona had a 37mm case size and was crafted from stainless steel. The first two designs for the watch are incredibly similar to the two steel designs in production today; one had an all-black dial, whilst the other had a white dial with a black sub dials; this demonstrates Rolex's strong roots and heritage.
Since the release of the original in 1963, Rolex has produced many variations of the Rolex Daytona, all of which have been relatively successful. The popularity of the model has grown faster than the range, and it is now virtually impossible to obtain a steel model from an authorised dealer.
Features of a Rolex Daytona
The Rolex Daytona is Rolex's third most complex watch after the Sky-Dweller and a Yacht-Master II. The movement in the watch is designed with racing in mind; the watch has two pushers above and below the crown. The upper pusher controls the start and stop functions, while the lower pusher commands the reset function.
The three sub-dials on the dial of the Daytona are both aesthetic and functional; the upper left sub-dial is a 12-hour counter, the lower sub-dial is the second counter, and the sub-dial on the right is a 30-minute counter. In addition to the sub-dials, the watch also features an hour hand, a chronograph second hand and a minute hand. On the bezel of a Rolex Daytona is a Tachymetric. A Tachymetric is a tool that can calculate the speed of a vehicle over a distance when combined with the watch. The Daytonas Tachymetric bezel can measure up to 400 units per hour.
The current Rolex Daytona in production has a 40mm case size. You can find this sports watch in many materials, such as Oyster steel, yellow gold, platinum, white gold and everose gold. Additionally, this luxury watch can also come with an oyster flex rubber strap on precious metal models.
Like the majority of Rolex watches, the Daytona has scratch-resistant sapphire glass and 100 meters of water resistance.
Dials
The Rolex Daytona collection has been spoilt for choice when it comes to dials. Each Daytona has a different selection of dials to choose from. We recommend checking out the Rolex configuration website to view these configurations in detail; here's the link.
Rolex Daytona Movement
Currently powering the Rolex Daytona is calibre 4131, A self-winding chronograph with 72-hour power reserve and 2 seconds precision. This movement is home to 44 Jewels and 201 parts that produce 28,800 vibrations per hour. Previously, the Daytona featured a 4130 and the 4030 that was based on a zenith movement.
How much does a Rolex Daytona cost?
The retail price depends on the configuration of the watch, such as the dial, material and bracelet. The resell or market value of the watch is heavily indicated by supply and demand.
Buy, sell or trade a Rolex Daytona.
We have an excellent network for all Rolex models in London, and we always keep a selection of Rolex Daytona's at our Hatton Garden location. Additionally, we can source most luxury watches and Rolex Daytona models within 48 hours. If you want to sell your Daytona, we offer instant payment at our boutique in Hatton Garden.
Please get in touch with us or get a quote for your Rolex Daytona.
What is your favourite Daytona, and why?
Let us know in the comments.
Leave a comment