Description

The Daytona story began like a love story with racecar drivers, one of the most successful drivers used to wear Rolex watches was Sir Malcom Campbell who set many speed records in Europe and in a Florida city called Daytona Beach, he attracted the attention of Rolex and became their ambassador.

In 1955 version, the Reference 6234, was labeled the “Rolex Chronograph” a pre-Daytona model.

The birth, in 1963 the Rolex Chronograph reference 6239 with a tachometer scale engrave on the bezel to enhance readability of the dial was released, incredibly the initial name Rolex used was “Le Mans”, another famous racetrack based in France.  It’s only by 1965 that the *Daytona* name started to be printed on the dial of the 6239.

Surprisingly the Daytona wasn’t a success back then, despite celebrities like Paul Newman endorsing it. Eventually the model became popular and a more modern version was released in 1988 using an automatic Zenith “El Primero” modified movement, the reference 16520 (steel), reference 16523 (in steel and gold) and reference 16528 (in yellow gold).  Main difference was the case size of 40mm, 3mm bigger than its predecessor and the adoption of a sapphire crystal to replace the Plexiglas.  The limited supply helped the watch achieve a cult status.

By 2000, Rolex started to use an in-house movement on the new 116500 series, it remained the most sought after model.
In 2013 the Daytona Cosmograph Platinum (reference 116506) created by Rolex to commemorate fifty years from the launch of its most celebrated watch.

And finally in 2016 the steel Daytona was refreshed with a new black ceramic bezel the 116500LN series.
With each release, the Daytona reinforces its status of cult sport watch, certainly the most desired sports watch in the world.

*The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116576TBR in Platinum is the epitome of luxury and craftsmanship, combining the iconic Daytona design with the brilliance of diamonds and the prestige of platinum. This exquisite timepiece, unveiled at Baselworld 2014, elevates the already legendary platinum Daytona to new heights with its dazzling diamond embellishments.

The 40 mm case and matching Oyster bracelet are crafted entirely from platinum, a hallmark of exclusivity and durability. The bezel is adorned with 36 baguette-cut diamonds, creating a radiant frame for the dial. The dial itself is a masterpiece, paved with 437 round diamonds that shimmer with every movement. Adding a touch of contrast, the chronograph subdials feature Rolex’s signature ice-blue finish, a color reserved exclusively for its platinum watches. The blued white gold hands further enhance the dial’s elegance and legibility.

At the heart of the Daytona 116576TBR is the Rolex Calibre 4130, a self-winding chronograph movement renowned for its precision, reliability, and efficiency. This in-house movement features a vertical clutch for smooth chronograph operation and a Parachrom hairspring for resistance to shocks and temperature variations, ensuring exceptional performance in any condition.

While the technical specifications remain consistent with the original platinum Daytona, the addition of diamonds transforms this timepiece into a true statement of opulence. The combination of platinum, diamonds, and Rolex’s unparalleled craftsmanship makes the Daytona 116576TBR a collector’s dream and a symbol of refined taste.

Whether worn as a bold accessory or treasured as a work of art, the Rolex Daytona 116576TBR in Platinum is a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of luxury and innovation. This is more than a watch—it’s a celebration of timeless elegance and extraordinary design.

Rolex – bio

Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, initially as Wilsdorf & Davis Ltd. Renamed Rolex by 1908 and moved its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland in 1919.  Their success is due to their innovation namely the legendary “Oyster” case – first water resistant watch and their extremely reliable movements.
The most famous models are Datejust, Day-Date, Daytona, Explorer, GMT-Master, Submariner and many more.
The company is owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a family private trust.
One story, never confirmed by Wilsdorf, recounts that the name came from the French words “horlogerie exquise”‘è, meaning “exquisite clockwork”.