ROLEX PLATINUM DAYTONA PLATONA 116506 & 126506

The origins of the Rolex Daytona can be traced back to the 1930s, when Rolex’s growing involvement in motorsports was solidified through a key partnership with Sir Malcolm Campbell, the legendary British racing driver renowned for shattering multiple land speed records.

This connection began when Campbell, one of the fastest drivers of his era, chose to wear a Rolex during his record-breaking attempts. In 1933, while driving his legendary Bluebird at Daytona Beach, Campbell achieved a speed of 272 mph (438 km/h), all while wearing an Oyster watch. By 1935, he set a new record of 276 mph (445 km/h) at Daytona and eventually surpassed 300 mph (483 km/h) at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Pushing the limits of speed and innovation, Campbell became Rolex’s first motorsport ambassador.

In the 1950s, Rolex took a major step towards developing the Daytona we know today. Known as the “Pre-Daytona” models, several timepieces introduced during this era were key in establishing the design framework for the Daytona series. With their perfect balance of functionality and style, these watches laid the groundwork for the iconic cosmograph that would later become a favorite among watch lovers and motorsport fans alike.

In 1959, the Daytona International Speedway opened in Daytona Beach, Florida, offering drivers and fans a new venue to celebrate the sport of racing. Just a few years later, in 1962, Rolex became the official timekeeper of the track. In 1963, to mark this growing partnership, Rolex unveiled its first cosmograph, reference 6239, which was nicknamed the "Daytona" in honor of the iconic racetrack. It also marked the introduction of the "Paul Newman Dial," a design that became closely associated with the legendary actor and racer Paul Newman. Designed with race-car drivers in mind, the watch featured a tachymeter scale on the bezel for measuring speed. This connection to the renowned racing event played a crucial role in shaping the watch’s identity, as Rolex’s involvement in timing the 24-hour race not only demonstrated their commitment to precision but also firmly established their presence in the world of motorsports.

The Rolex Daytona evolved tremendously from 1963 to 1988, highlighted by several notable models and important advancements. Most notably, in 1965, reference 6240 was introduced, featuring a high-contrast black acrylic bezel, a distinctive feature that would become a signature element of the Daytona's design.

The Daytona continued to evolve between 1988 and 2000, a period commonly referred to as the Zenith Era. During this period, Rolex unveiled the Caliber 4030, an automatic movement renowned for its high-frequency escapement, which enabled it to measure time with remarkable precision, operating at a rate of 36,000 vibrations per hour.

Then, beginning in 2000, marking the start of the In-House Movement Era, Rolex furthered the evolution of the Daytona with the introduction of the Caliber 4130. This represented a turning point for Rolex as they shifted from the Zenith-based Caliber 4030 to the development of their own in-house movement. The Caliber 4130 was custom-built for the Daytona, resulting in better performance, efficiency, and durability. Additionally, the movement's components were refined, minimizing wear and tear and simplifying the process of servicing and maintenance.

The introduction of the Caliber 4130 showcased Rolex’s unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of watchmaking. This in-house movement not only boosted the Daytona’s performance but also cemented its reputation as a lasting symbol in the world of luxury timepieces. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in innovation and craftsmanship, ensuring the Daytona's continued appeal to watch enthusiasts for generations.

In 2011, Rolex took another significant step in revolutionizing the watch industry with a cutting-edge innovation: the introduction of a Cerachrom ceramic bezel on the Daytona, replacing the metal bezel inserts that had been a hallmark since 1988. The use of Cerachrom not only enhanced the Daytona’s durability, making it more resistant to wear, but also added a modern touch of elegance to the timepiece.

The Rolex Daytona has a rich history, marked by numerous design updates and innovations over the years. To commemorate this iconic model, Rolex introduced the 50th Anniversary Daytona 116506 in 2013. Featuring an ice-blue dial and a chestnut brown Cerachrom bezel, this special edition model honored the Daytona’s legacy, highlighting its evolution through countless design updates and innovations. Following the 116506, Rolex introduced the 60th Anniversary Daytona 126506 a decade later. While it shares many similarities with its predecessor, the 126506 boasts an upgraded movement and a transparent sapphire case back. The Rolex Daytona is a true embodiment of exceptional craftsmanship and precision.

We currently have 2 Rolex 50th Anniversary Daytona 116506 in stock: