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.

There are some truly rare Daytonas, with a unique dial / bezel combination, which are often heard but (mostly) never seen. Of all Daytonas cased in precious metals, the most exclusive and desirable variant, is one fitted with a factory baguette bezel.

The present watch is a Rolex Daytona reference 116589SACI Black Dial with Sapphire Set Bezel.
This black dial beauty features the iconic 40mm Daytona case in white gold. The bezel is fitted with 24 translucent and rich blue sapphires and the black dial is furthermore adorned with 8 diamonds in white gold chatons. You don’t come across this unique combination very often.

It is offered on a hand-stitched matching blue alligator strap with a Rolex deployant clasp.

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”.