Known as one of the world's most desirable watches and perhaps the most widely-recognized chronograph model in the world of horology, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona's design has remained ever-present in the world of motorsport and the watchmaking industry ever since its debut in 1963. A progress of evolution rather than revolution, the current day Daytona still possesses similarities to the first model of the ’60s despite being in its 6th generation.
The Daytona, as most of Rolex’s lineup, has largely existed as a no-fuss tool watch with usability and legibility paramount. That being said, despite its reputation, Rolex do from time to time create highly unusual and crazy watches that are so antithetical to the brand’s DNA that they immediately become cult icons. Models downright insane such as the Rainbow Daytona and Leopard Daytona were panned in the beginning as being ostentatious strangely overtime grew on collectors, now commanding huge premiums as they realised it is often the downright weird models that eventually become desirable. With that being said, the Reg. 116519 Cosmograph Daytona you see here today is exactly just that.
In the early 2000s, Rolex released a quartet of colorful Daytona models featuring bright stone dials and matching lizard leather straps. They were made in very limited numbers and offered here, I have the yellow variant with a stunning mother of pearl dial with white gold Roman numeral hour markers and its matching, original yellow lizard strap that is out of production.
Constructed from 18kt white gold, the Daytona Beach collection brings a fun design aesthetic to the Daytona’s otherwise regimented tool-watch design and focus. Exceedingly rare and today true collector's items, the Daytona "Beach" collection has become coveted for just how unique these watchers are. While Rolex has released gem-set variants, that certainly sing loudly; the Beach collection is slightly subdued in that it relies on color for its aesthetic individualism.
Powered by the automatic Rolex cal. 4130 movement with 70 hours of power reserve, the Beach collection is just as robust, reliable, and of fine working order as any other modern Daytona model. With Rolex Daytonas in general considered blue-chip investments, the rarity of the Beach collection will ensure its continual rise while you have something unique and fun to wear on your wrist.
