Rolex Daytona

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is Rolex's 40 mm chronograph, developed for motor sport in 1963 and named after the Daytona circuit in Florida. Its three-counter dial, tachymeter bezel for reading average speed and screw-down chronograph pushers are its signatures. New Rolex Daytona models are offered from our independent boutique's current inventory. For pre-owned and discontinued Daytona references, see our pre-owned Rolex Daytona page.

Rolex Daytona prices split first by case material. The Oystersteel 126500LN is the entry point; the Oystersteel and yellow-gold 126503, the gold models on an Oysterflex strap (126518LN, 126515LN, 126519LN) and the platinum 126506 sit at successively higher price levels. Gem-set and rainbow versions form the top segment. Because demand for the steel Daytona is high, its secondary-market price can differ from the list price. Assess the full reference, dial colour and box and papers together when checking current pricing.

Daytona is 40 mm, so material, dial and bracelet are the primary choices. The most searched-for model is the steel 126500LN, known as the 'panda' for its black counters on a white dial. Yellow, white or Everose gold on an Oysterflex strap feels sportier and lighter, while the platinum 126506, with its ice-blue dial and brown ceramic bezel, is the most distinctive model in the range.

126500LN - Oystersteel Cosmograph Daytona, white (panda) or black dial. 126503 - Oystersteel and yellow-gold Cosmograph Daytona. 126518LN - yellow gold on an Oysterflex strap. 126515LN - Everose gold on an Oysterflex strap. 126519LN - white gold on an Oysterflex strap. 126506 - platinum with ice-blue dial and brown Cerachrom bezel. 116500LN - previous-generation steel Daytona with ceramic bezel, made 2016-2023.

Why is the Rolex Daytona called the 'panda'? Black counters on a white dial resemble a panda's face, so the white-dial steel 126500LN and the earlier 116500LN carry the nickname. What determines the price of a Rolex Daytona? Case material, dial, bezel, bracelet or strap, production year and box and papers set the price. Are the Cosmograph Daytona and the Rolex Daytona the same watch? Yes. Its full name is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona; in everyday use it is simply called the Daytona. What is a Paul Newman Daytona? It is the name given to vintage Daytona references with exotic dials made in the 1960s and 1970s. Today these watches are assessed separately on the collector market.