You may have seen the Rolex Daytona before.
Faster than a speeding bullet, racing inspired, yet completely versatile for the modern gent, it’s seen a number of changes over its 60 plus year reign since 1963. That’s nearly as long as the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
Let’s be honest. What else did we expect when we are looking to buy a watch from this top luxury Swiss brand?
Among the diving legacy of the Submariner and the Sea-Dweller, the aviation inspired GMT-Master and the Sky-Dweller, as well as the dress watch design of the Datejust and Rolex 1908, the Rolex Daytona is a stunning collection that transcends genres, generations and wrists.
Timeless and dateless, this is due to its plethora of case materials, sporty chronograph dials and the inclusion of jewels. Before we start salivating and saying “my precious” like Gollum, it’s important to note why their watches are still so desirable to buy.
Jam-packed with enough power and style to make John Mayer get the blushes, the Superlative Chronometer certification ensures they are ultra-reliable and high quality. Furthermore, the cases come in materials like platinum to white gold and their very own Everose gold with a first rate lustre.
The Rolex Daytona saw its first momentous steps in the 1950s under two very special references, the 6034 and the 6234. Representing the precursor of the Daytona we know today, the Ref. 6034 watches saw the introduction of the waterproof Oyster case, and the general architecture of the modern design.
For the 6234, this saw the inclusion of the three sporty sub-counters in the iconic chronograph design of 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. Produced between 1955 and 1961, this represented the very first Daytona chronograph, and is exceptionally desirable due to its vintage allure.
So as burning as the tyres on that Ferrari, should you still buy a Rolex Daytona in 2024? From its history, how the modern line-up fares, and why this collection still has investment potential…we are giving you a tasty horological treat like no other in the pursuit of the ultimate horological answer.
Exploring The Rolex Daytona’s History
The Buildup
Rolex and racing is about as sweet a pairing as a crisp port and cheese board, Rolex and Bucherer, or Chrono Hunter for all your buying and selling needs.
Pre-1960s, Rolex was certainly not a shy wallflower. In their roster, they boasted a plethora of high-quality collections, ranging from the Professional Collection with the Oyster Perpetual, The Rolex Explorer (inspired by the legendary Mount Everest ascension in 1953), the Rolex Submariner and the legendary aviation line, the GMT-Master.
Heck, they had their dress watches in order, including the solely precious metal Day-Date, and would continue their dive watch prowess with the sublime Deep Sea Special, the first timepiece to submerge right to the Mariana Trench - the deepest depression on earth’s surface - in 1960.
It would not be until the 1960s wherein the Rolex Daytona exploded onto the scene, ready for us to buy… but not quite with the popularity it has today. But first, it’s time to introduce Mr Malcom Campbell.
Hang on a tick and we’ll explain…
Malcolm Campbell - Source - Rolex Magazine
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Rolex has always had its fingers in the racing world. Associated with record-breaker Sir Malcolm Campbell, they fitted him with an Oyster in the 1930s to assist him in his world-records, including the land speed record of 245 mph in 1931 at Daytona beach, and just 4 years later in 1935, reaching 301 mph at Bonneville.
Nothing like breaking your own records!
Speaking of Daytona, this long flat area of beach allowed for it to become a haven for those interested in breaking speed records. Holding a legacy of over 14 land speed records set between 1904 and 1935, the beach eventually deteriorated, resulting in a fresh SuperSpeedway to be built. This was later known as the Daytona International Speedway, in 1959.
Rolex has since hosted events like the Rolex 24 At Daytona and supported the 24 Hours of Le Mans race there as Exclusive Major Partner and Official Timepiece since 2001.
The Hallowed Apex
Gent’s it’s time to start your engines and get into the Rolex Daytona history.
Introduced in 1963, it was the next step for the brand's chronograph collections. Remember, it has only been around 10 years since Rolex initially released their first Oyster-cased chronograph watch, the Rolex Oyster 6234 where only 2,300 watches were ever made.
Sounds like it’s worth a buy… but we’ll save those details for another article.
The Rolex reference 6234 from 1955 set the perfect scene for the line. Fitted with an inner tachymetric and telemeter scale, with classic chronograph display at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, this reference evolved to the 6238 in 1962.
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Ref. 6238 - Source - Christie’s
This saw the introduction of faceted applied hour markers against simple dials, plus the telemeter was removed leaving the bare racing necessities of a tachymetric scale and chronograph sub-counters.
The Cosmograph title was introduced in 1963, under Reference 6239 which still to this day remains one of the hottest pieces around as is the 6265 under Big Red. Boasting a tachymetric scale engraved onto the outer bezel, this was accompanied by high-contrast, black sub-counters. Defined as the Le Mans reference 6238, this watch soon earned its Daytona title in 1965, wherein it was emblazoned above 6 o’clock.
Breaking news…it becomes waterproof! In 1965, the watches were fitted with a screw down crown and pushers ensuring the watches repelled dust and water, plus the bezel featured a new alteration in the form of a plastic insert as opposed to direct engraving.
Note to self, the Reference 6240 with the innovative plastic inserts are exceptionally desirable due to the influence it had on modern models in the brands portfolio, and due to the low supply run that started in 1965, then ended in 1969.
In the 1970s, it received another update with four fresh references, and with a brand new calibre 727. Inspired by the Valjoux 72, this offered a 21,600VpH alongside a 48 hour power reserve. Look, it’s not even close to the modern calibres in the brand’s current roster, but it was a significant advancement for the brand.
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Ref. 6263 - Source - Christie’s
Boasting metal or plastic rings across the top, the brand has covered everything from precious metal cases to steel watches under reference 6262 and the 6264. They eventually stopped in 1987, leaving the influx of diamond infused watches, released in 1984, to take the slack under the 6269 and 6270.
The Leader Of The Pack
It was relatively popular, as is every Rolex due to the brand's incredible levels of supply and demand, but was still not an outstanding member of the roster. Then, like High Ho Silver, Paul Newman rode in like he was back in Oscar winning films, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid.
Paul Newman’s 6239 - Source - Philipps
Paul Newman received a Rolex Daytona reference 6239 from his wife Joanne Woodward in 1972. Gifted to him while he was filming the very apt racing film, Winning, she had the watch personally engraved with the text “Drive Carefully Me”. As a gent who ended up in a life-threatening motorcycle accident back in 1965, sorry Paul Newman. No truer words could be said.
Given an exotic dial, the hour markers are moved to the edge of the face, as opposed to the middle, giving the watches a wider look. Furthermore, the Singer-made dials featured stepped sub-counters and a red seconds track, opposing the black and white aesthetics of previous references.
The former actor adored his watch, to the point where it became a staple of his everyday fashion. Later passed on to his daughter’s ex-boyfriend, Paul Newman’s watch was sold at Philipps auction in 2017 for a record-breaking $17.8 million (around £13.8 million today!)
The Final Lap
The Rolex Daytona was slowly earning the incredible title it has today.
Evolving into the reference 16500 collection in 1988, these types of watches started using automatic movements by the highly respected Swiss-brand, Zenith.
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Ref. 16520 - Source - Christie’s
For context, Zenith had been on a little mission of their own. Releasing the first ever automatic chronograph movement, the El Primero in 1969, they spearheaded the automatic revolution, while TAG Heuer and Breitling came a close second with their collaborative Calibre 11.
They upped the collection to 40mm, alongside affixing a new sapphire crystal. Inspired by reference 6265 with the screw down crowns, pushers, and the metal bezels, this new collection included crown guards to get these at the top of the luxury sports watch tree.
They partnered with Zenith to produce the Calibre 4030. Inspired by the Zenith El Primero 400 High Beat, this rapid calibre allowed these timepieces to bounce back following the terrifying Quartz Crisis of the 70s. From the steely reference 16520 and two-tone 16523 to solid gold Ref 16528, no materials could stop this calibre from beating a swift tempo.
For the festive, Christmas lovers, all we can say is that the Little Drummer Boy may have to start practising to match this rhythm! They decided to steer their own course in 2000. During Baselworld, previously one of the best luxury watch events before it bid farewell, the Calibre 4130 was released, indicating their first motions into the in-house automatic chronograph world.
Featuring an in-house balance spring and strong 72 hour power reserve, the movements totalled 290 components which were both less than other competing calibres, yet still stronger. Cerachrom bezels came in 2016 across all the watches during Baselworld, allowing the tachymetric scale to be impervious to scratches and marks.
With minor alterations like the small seconds and chronograph hour sub-counters swapping positions, a new army of references took to the stage under the following;
- 116528
- 116509
- 116520
- 116523 in case materials like steel, Everose gold, two-tone, white gold and yellow gold.
And that’s the history of the Rolex Daytona collection! From Paul Newman’s ultra-desirable timepiece to the importance of the Zenith El Primero, the watches have seen some truly mesmerising changes over the years.
So, how are things looking in 2024?
How The Rolex Daytona Evolved Over The Years
The Daytona is such an expansive collection, that we thought it necessary to break down the key references, and their dates in this easy to follow table;
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DAYTONA REFERENCES AND DATES |
MAIN CHANGES |
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6239: 1963 - 1969 |
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6240: 1965 - 1969 |
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6241: 1965 - 1969 |
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6262: 1970 - 1971 |
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6263: 1971 - 1988 |
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6264: 1970 - 1972 |
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6265: 1971 - 1988 |
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16520: 1988 - 2000 |
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16523/16528: 1990s |
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116520: 2000 - 2016 |
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116500LN: 2016 - Present Day |
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116503: 2000s - Present Day |
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116509/116505/116508: 2000s - Present Day |
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116515/116518/116519: 2000s - Present Day |
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116506: 2000s - 2023 |
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Defining The Contemporary Daytona Collection
Like Mike Tyson, the modern Rolex Daytona remains a force to be reckoned with. Of course, we don’t just mean in the racing world either!
We’re going to cohesively summarise everything that makes up the Rolex Daytona line, from the case materials, cases and how effectively the watches tick. As is the Chrono Hunter way, nothing will be missed…
Dials
The Rolex Daytona is one of the most colourful collections from the Genevan-brand. While there are a few watches that are reminiscent of the original models, we can choose from a number of aesthetics that either show our luxurious side, or keep us looking refined in the boardroom.
Depending on the material of your model, you can choose from either classic white or black dials…or gold complimenting the case. For example, from the Rolex Daytona 40mm Platinum, it has an ice-blue dial, the Everose gold watches have a slightly pink tinge to reflect the warm case, while the yellow and white gold watches have matching golden faces.
Across all of them, we have chronograph sub-counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, with prominent hour markers and hands. There are traditional baton hour markers and hands filled with lume, to special variants with diamond hour markers like the Rolex Daytona Red 126515LN.
You can also select different sub-counter designs, from solid colours with sunray finishes to just the edges of the counters differing from the main dial colour.
Materials
Regardless of the watches that you choose, you can be assured that they only use the finest materials in their cases. Made completely in-house, they use their own foundries to create the alloys and the subsequent case, meaning each timepiece is uniquely Rolex.
In terms of gold, they are the highest quality and the purest variants of 18K, while the platinum is exceptionally high at 950. For Everose gold, this is their own innovation that offers their take on rose gold, with Oyster steel that only uses 904L steel, offering brilliant corrosion resistance properties.
For the Rolex Daytona, this ranges from solid precious metals like white, yellow and Everose gold, ultra-luxurious case materials like platinum and fabulous two-tone editions in yellow gold and Oyster steel.
From the pushers, to the crown and the bezel, they only use the best cases from start to finish.
Bezels
Since 2016, the Rolex Daytona only uses Cerachrom on their bezels. This offers optimal resistance to scratches, which allows the tachymetric scale to be ultra-legible and stylish.
The tachymetric scales are essential to all race watches. It allows the user to measure speed based on time and distance. In a racing setting, this allows you to measure lap times and calculate the best possible speeds for each part of the course.
Since the Rolex Daytona was one of the first watches to move the tachymetric scale to the bezel, this is a highly emblematic feature. While they are classically black, they come in Everose and yellow gold depending on your choice of case material.
As of 2024, they have released a few watches that accelerate past racing to uber-luxury, Haute Horlogerie. Models like the white 126539TBR, the yellow 126538TBR which enjoys 36 trapeze-cut diamond bezels, alongside diamonds in replacement of the hour markers.
Movement
Remember when we mentioned the Rolex Daytona adopted the stunning Zenith calibre? Well, the times have long changed, and the quality and capability has only been on the rise.
Fitted with the Calibre 4131, these perpetual, self-winding chronograph movements are the epitome of Rolexes technical excellence. Complemented with Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairsprings and sublime Paraflex shock absorbers, these movements offer an accuracy of around -2/+2 seconds per day, and a long-lasting 72 hour power reserve.
Superlative Chronometer certified, the movements are fast, reliable as workhorse and perform to an incredibly high standard.
Bracelets
What the Rolex Daytona has over any other collection is the ability to be completely versatile. Need to run into the office? This is your best friend. Looking to have a watch fresh for the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix? You really can’t get better than this GADA stunner!
This is, at least in part, due to the fabulous array of straps we can choose from. From solid bracelets that match the case material, to Oysterflex straps that are made out of titanium and coated in black elastomer, this de-formalises the watches to suit more low-key events.
Secured with an Oysterlock safety clasp with an Easylink 5mm comfort extension link, you can create a little extra width with just the click of a button.
Top 5 Investment Worthy Rolex Daytona Watches
Rolex Daytona 40mm - White Gold 126539TBR
The 126539TBR indicates one of the new watches from the 2024 Rolex Daytona collection.
Source - Rolex
Crafted out of white gold and measuring 40mm this retains its 100 metres of water resistance. Considering the luxury of this model, it’s not a stat that we expected, but it shows that these watches are built to last, especially since they are fitted with a screw-down crown and solid caseback.
The exciting theme from these watches is the gorgeous diamond bezel that is affixed across the top. Totalling 36 stunning jewels, these offer the Emmys or Golden Globes tinge of glitz and glamour commonly associated with the Datejust and the 1908 line. Yet it still retains their optimal sports durability. There’s diamonds snaking up those tapered lugs and on the crown guards!
The face keeps in tandem with the material. We see a delightful sunray finish across the silvery shade, allowing the black ringed chronograph sub-counters to stand out perfectly, alongside the diamond hour markers and lume filled hands. Worried about legibility? Don’t be for a second as this beauty is granted a Chromalight display for that blue shine.
Keeping everything sharp and stylish is a black Oysterflex strap, allowing this to be a versatile model for the gent wanting to buy a watch in time for the next big basketball game, or shaking hands at an international conference.
Accuracy remains integral to the Daytona, meaning the Calibre 4131 offers a sublime -2/+2 seconds per day accuracy and super-strong 72 hour power reserve. Superlative Chronometer certified? You betcha!
- You can buy a Rolex Daytona 40mm 126539TBR at retail for £104,400 as of November 2024.
Rolex Daytona 40mm - Platinum 126506
As Marilyn Monroe declared, diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But why not a man’s too?
If you still want to impress in and out of the office, you can do no better than the Rolex Daytona reference 126506. Crafted out of platinum, this 40mm watch is another indication of the brand’s adherence to luxury, while still retaining those Daytona talking points.
Source - Rolex
We are obviously referring to the prominent tachymetric scale on the bezel. However, this is not your boring black shade. Oh no, they opted for a chestnut brown Cerachrom bezel with a high contrast white scale. So you can measure speed and look red hot like Paul Newman all the time.
Be it the crown sat between two hefty guards, or the dual pusher design on either side, the watches have not sacrificed any sportiness for the traditionally dressy material. LeBron James is already taking notes…
For the face, the ice blue hue is a worthy accompaniment to the platinum material, especially since both are rarities in horology. The freezing face serves to be a useful shade for legibility, allowing the chestnut brown ringed chronograph sub-counters to burst out, alongside baton hour markers and hands.
Connected to an Oyster bracelet, this is reliable, strong and a reliable partner for most circumstances, either social, formal or a very special occasion like a wedding. Tick-tock… the Superlative Chronometer certified 4131 calibre strikes again! That -2/+2 seconds per day accuracy is nothing to sniff at, especially since the weekend-proof 72 hour power reserve ensures you won’t ever be left in the dark.
- You can buy a Rolex Daytona Ref. 126506 at retail for £66,800 as of November 2024.
Rolex Daytona Lemon Paul Newman - 6263
Oh Paul Newman, we had a feeling you’d rock up on this investment list!
Source - Christie’s
Inspired by the classic reference 6240, the 6263 represented the first execution to utilise the prominent Calibre 727, and offer a slightly larger case sizing than its predecessors. As you probably guessed, this isn’t your normal 6263 Paul Newman.
It was understood that there was no such thing as a gold Daytona with screw-down chronograph pushers, that had an Oyster Lemon Paul Newman dial. However, 2013 saw this very timepiece emerge from the shadows like a well hidden ghoul on Halloween. As a result, it was classified as a prototype that they had created during their ultra-creative streak between the dates they created, namely the 6262 and 6264.
The Lemon title refers to the sublime yellow hue on the dial. Standing clearly away from the classical cream shades of the original Paul Newman exotic dial, this has sharp contrasting black sub-counters and minute track, allowing for this to be a very iconic and recognizable design.
Nicknamed “The Legend” due to the completely unorthodox and exceptional yellow case and lemon dial, we can only bow in the presence of such a model.
And if you want to further explore the weird and wonderful world of what a Nipple Dial or a Pussy Galore is, check out our feature on the The Craziest And Outlandish Rolex Nicknames Of All Time.
Back to business.
Now, going as far back as 1969, this Paul Newman number is a truly mesmerising model and represents the holy trinity of being in excellent condition, having a vintage date, and being super-rare due to their being around 3 watches made in total. A grail watch? You bet.
- Good luck trying to spot this one. It sold at a Christie’s auction in 2022 for around £3 million.
Rolex Daytona Diamond Set Ref. 6269
When 2024 Watches and Wonders slipped through the timekeeping net back in April, horophiles globally were going nuts about the new diamond infused Rolex Daytona.
Costing over £100,000, you could probably buy a small house or doer upper in the Cotswolds for that price! But, we have something that’s rarer, and retains the same diamond allure…
Source - Christie’s
Known as the “Jack of Diamonds”, this timepiece is a phenomenal indication of their talents in terms of craftsmanship, using the finest materials, fusing it all together to produce ultra-luxurious watches.
At 37.5mm, these yellow gold pieces trace their origins back to 1985, wherein they were linked with a group as secretive as the Freemasons. Stamped with a French Owl logo, this relates to the Rolex France logo, known as “Le Hibou Grand-Duc” (translated as The Owl Grand Duke).
Not many watches have this ultra-rare stamp, aside from the rarest of the rare, including the famed and prestigious John Player Specials 6241. Forming the final moments of the manual-wind era, the 1980s, this was made in 1987, by forging new ground as one of the first chronograph watches to be littered with diamonds. Yes, that’s diamonds with an “s”...
From the pavé-set, 240 white diamond dial with sapphire hour markers, the 48 brilliant-cut diamond bezel to the solid 18K bracelet, everything screams luxury. Unbelievably, you can still read the face, as the sub-counters have a golden sunray finish as opposed to a diamond infusement.
Indicating one of just two models that visibly show French importation markings, this is one of the most desirable and attractive watches from the Genevan stars to date. Fitted with a riveted Oyster bracelet, this is a top feature for a black suit, or just go all out jewels like Grammy winner Elton John!
- The Rolex Daytona Diamond Set Ref 6269 sold at a Christie’s auction in 2022 for around £1.4 million.
Rolex Daytona Khanjar Ref. 6263
Being investment worthy is something that pulses through the veins of the Swiss titans. You don’t need excessive diamonds, nor ultra-precious materials. Crikey, sometimes steel can be enough to have a valuable watch on your wrist when it comes to these guys.
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Source - Christie’s
On that note, let’s introduce the Khanjar Ref. 6263.
Rolex first collaborated with the Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman back in the 1970s. He was interested in expressing his gratitude to the members of the British Special Forces, SAS, as they assisted him in combating against rebels during the 70s.
As the 14th-generation descendant of the age-old Al Bu Sa’idi dynasty, he certainly has a few coppers to rub together! Capped at less than 10 steel models ever made, this personalised reference 6263 is one of the very first Green Khanjar models ever produced.
Noted by the very legible Khanjar emblem at the top of the dial, the watch was gifted to a British Airways pilot who flew the Sultan and his team to Rome’s Ciampino airport. Given a sublime cream dial, the green emblem is easily seen. For the rest of the face, the aesthetics are classic 6263, from the black sub-counters and prominent hands and applied hour markers.
Powered by the Calibre 727, the steel timepieces are vintage inside and out. From the black bezel with white tachymetric scale to the dial pushers either side of a no-guard crown, the models are ultra rare and in excellent condition.
- It sold at a Christie's auction in 2017 for around £642,700.
How Long Will I Be Waiting For My Rolex Daytona?
This unfortunately has a bad reputation when it comes to buying it at retail. It’s estimated that you will be waiting at least five years to get on board the Rolex Daytona waitlist before you set foot into a store.
Following on from Covid-19, plenty of cash-rich men and women flocked to their local jewellers to treat themselves to a luxury watch. After being trapped indoors with pots of disposable income, many were unable to spend their hard earned cash on anything.
Demand exploded while supply remained the same. Producing around 1 million timepieces per year, that seems like it’s a large figure, and it is when compared to Patek Philippe's 60,000, Vacheron Constantin’s 25,000, and Audemars Piguet’s run of 50,000.
However, Rolex sits as the top luxury Swiss watch brand in the industry, meaning they have a consistently high level of demand and brand exclusivity that surpasses their current supply. Therefore, not everyone gets a chance to buy a Rolex at retail.
To quote Metallica, it’s Sad But True.
Rolex can only increase their watch production by small amounts each year. Therefore, there will likely never be a point where there is one for each buyer at retail. So, what’s the alternative to buy a Rolex?
Waiting for your Rolex Daytona need not be an arduous event. Why not go straight to the front of the line via the secondary market? Using platforms like Chrono Hunter, we can put you in contact with a number of the best luxury retailers to get your horological fix, thanks to multiple offers, quick turnaround and the most seamless transaction service by our dedicated team.
It’s an easy decision!
Why Should I Buy A Rolex Daytona?
If you are lucky enough to have the chance to buy a Rolex Daytona, there are a number of reasons as to why it may be your best investment to date.
Legacy - Opting to buy any of the grand racing timepieces is a great decision due to the sensational history, collectability and status that the collection holds. Released in 1963, the line has been associated with Paul Newman, a plethora of modern icons like John Mayer and Jay-Z, as well as being one of the first models to flex a tachymetric scale on the bezel.
From someone buying Paul Newman’s model for around £15 million at auction, to watches made for the Sultan of Oman, and ultra-rare golden John Player Special models, you could land yourself a piece literally oozing with history, class and sophistication!
Style - You can buy it for more style points than a ticket to London Fashion Week, if you are that kind of gent. Covering a plethora of materials from their in-house Everose gold to platinum and yellow gold, the line features attractive dials that can be boasted in a range of circumstances.
Wearability - In the instances where you need a piece that looks great in the boardroom, a gift for Father’s Day or Chinese New Year, we recommend you buy this race-inspired beauty. Fitted with either Oyster straps or Oysterflex bands, sporty, stylish or a mixture of both is easily attained with these options. Furthermore, their contemporary 40mm dimensions are standard for an inherent sports watch.
Rarity - It’s undeniable that when you buy a watch of this ilk, you are investing in one of the brand's most expensive steel watches. That’s right, jam-packed with tech and given an emblematic chronograph display, the watches are exclusive, whether buying or selling, especially since you can be waiting up to 5 years for a model at retail.
Heck, on the secondary market, the pre-owned Rolex watches command vastly more than their retail prices. If that doesn’t suggest that these watches are in demand, we don’t know what does!
Complexity - Superlative Chronometer certified, when you buy a Rolex Daytona you are investing in the latest tech from the Genevan brand, covering high powered Paraflex shock absorbers and a blue Parachrom hairspring to keep the speed of the movement in check.
Down to the watches functions, the chronograph capability and highly accurate time keeping is essential when you buy a race watch. However, since this is such a versatile piece, you could flex these functions for judging your running speed to the last train home!
Can I Buy A Rolex Daytona?
Absolutely, the option to buy the line is becoming increasingly more available to more clientele due to their presence on the secondary market. However, be prepared to buy at a price that continues to increase higher than at retail.
Why, we hear you ask? Let’s take a look. Due to the incredible amount of demand meaning there’s an average waitlist of 5 years for the line at retail. Therefore, when you come to buy a Daytona, you may find that the secondary market is the best bet for missing the waitlist. Unfortunately, that’s what everyone else has thought!
Therefore, for those looking to buy on the secondary market, you will see that the prices are comfortably over the retail figures as people will be willing to pay more to miss the waitlist. We don’t blame you, but just make sure you don’t buy a fake from an unreliable platform!
From the brand new reference 126579RBR in white gold (you can buy it at retail as of November 2024 for £63,850) and littered with diamonds, to the now discontinued John Mayer Ref. 116508, the secondary market allows you to buy old and new.
Let’s compare some prices for when we want to buy at retail, or buy on the secondary market for November 2024.
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Buy At Retail - Rolex Daytona References (As of November 2024) |
Buy On The Secondary Market (Upwards Of - As of November 2024) |
| You can buy a Ref. 126509 for £38,700 | £38,850 |
| You can buy a Ref. 126518LN for £27,900 | £29,660 |
| You can buy a Ref. 126503 for £17,800 | £19,900 |
| You can buy a Ref. 126505 for £38,700 | £39,400 |
| You can buy a Ref. 126515LN for £29,300 | £32,120 |
| You can buy a Ref. 126508 for £36,100 | £39,000 |
| You can buy a Ref. 126518LN for £27,900 | £33,500 |
| You can buy a Ref. 126589RBR for £56,050 | £98,730 |
| You can buy a Ref. 126598TBR for £109,200 | £158,730 |
As you can see, across the board you are likely buying a Rolex for a premium on the secondary market. In some cases, we can see almost a £50,000 increase when you buy the new Ref. 126598TBR. In some situations, we are granted some solace when we decide to buy the slightly older Ref. 126509 with under a £1,000 increase.
Either way, if that doesn’t get your investment senses tingling, you may be in the wrong buying game!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is It So Hard To Buy A Rolex Daytona?
Buying a Daytona can become a very hard venture for a number of reasons:
Exceptionally High Demand: The Daytona is exceptionally popular due to its legendary status as one of the ultimate race watches. Worn by stars like John Mayer and Paul Newman, the watches are known for their craftsman desirability, alongside being exceptional investment possibilities as they hold their value so well.
Small Production Level - It’s estimated that the Daytona totals around 20,000 to 40,000 watches per year. Considering they make around 1 million watches per year, this is a small, fractional account of the total. Therefore, inherently scarce, the watches are incredibly hard to buy at retail, and therefore glean significantly higher resale figures due to their rarity.
Waitlist - The end product of both an incredibly high level of demand, alongside a very low production level, is a waitlist that caps who can buy a Daytona at retail. With an estimated waiting period of 5 years, this can be a huge problem for many horophiles, and may force buyers to move to the secondary market instead.
Is The Daytona Panda A Good Investment?
Yes, the Daytona Panda is a top investment. Identified as one of the most expensive variants on the current marketplace, this is due to them being ultra rare and therefore sought after by collectors and buyers.
With their emblematic design and Superlative Chronometer movements, they offer longevity and expert quality over a long period of time. Investment-worthy? absolutely!
Is It Worth To Buy A Rolex Daytona?
Yes, buying a Daytona can be a very rewarding purchase.
Boasting expert durability and quality due to the in-house materials and movements, the collection is the pinnacle of their capabilities. You can opt from a range of materials like Everose gold to steel, and a number of dial styles like the panda dials or platinum faces.
In terms of value for money, the Daytona is a big winner, due to their longstanding desirability over time. While you may not be looking to buy and immediately sell, it’s comforting to know that the Daytona will hold its value consistently over time.
Do Daytona's Go Up In Value?
Yes, most Daytona’s tend to have an accelerated value for all their models, including standard, rare or vintage models.
This is predominantly due to the scarcity of all the models at retail (prompting the long waitlist), and therefore flippers and the investment purchasers being able to hike up the prices on the secondary market. After all, who has time to wait 5 years when you can buy the model immediately!
Why Are Daytonas So Expensive?
Daytonas are expensive due to the small availability on the retail and secondary marketplace.
With a small portion of the brand's 1 million models made per year being dedicated to the Daytona, it’s a combination of scarcity and the watches high-quality materials and lineage that makes the value on the secondary market explode.
Conclusion
Wow, seems like this is still one hot collection to buy, right?
If we can throw you all the way back to the start of this article, we have a weighty question on our hands; should you buy a Rolex Daytona in 2024?
And this year has been just as big. From a diamond bezel to a plethora of dial styles and exciting materials, the Rolex Daytona is definitely worth buying if you are interested in investing in models, or just want to buy a watch to flex in your day-to-day life.
In truth, the Daytona is incomparable when it comes to the most popular steel sports watches. Offering a reliable level of water resistance, alongside all the dimensions of a quality everyday watch, you can still choose something that delivers pure luxury, either through jewels or precious metals.
Retaining everything that made the Daytona one of the most desirable lines of all time, modern stars have continued to flock to the brand for their horological taste. Below are a few prominent examples:
- John Mayer with his own name associated with the green-dialled (and now discontinued) Reference 116508,
- Jay-Z ( Daytona 6263)
- Ed Sheeran (Reference 116500)
- Eric Clapton (Crazy Doc Reference 6239)
- Cristiano Ronaldo/DJ Khaled (Reference 116598RBOW)
- Kevin De Bruyne (Reference 116508)
This is no longer just a normal racing watch. Wear it for the boardroom, the birthday party, the champagne bar or the local hotspot. The Daytona has it all to get you looking as sharp as a pin.
You’ve been sold, haven’t you? Perfect, now let’s get you kitted out with the finest horological platform in the current industry.
Looking to buy a Rolex Daytona fast? Want to wear something that covers every occasion and more? Contact Chrono Hunter here to find out how we could help with your next purchase or sale. It doesn’t matter if you want to buy a Rolex or sell a Rolex.
Showcasing unrivalled expertise via our knowledgeable team together with a verified portfolio of reputable luxury retailers, you can be assured of quality, peerless service, multiple offers and quick turnaround when you buy a watch or sell a watch through us.
Our real time portal is revolutionising the way customers transact watches, putting buying or selling requests out to our close-knit network of the finest retailers, enabling them to respond instantly with the best offers. Bidding for your business has never been easier and at a guaranteed great price on the safest, most secure portal.
Covering top luxury brands from Patek Philippe to Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, Richard Mille, Zenith, IWC, TAG Heuer and Omega, we offer a no obligation estimate when selling to ascertain the true value of your watch so you can achieve the most cash quickly. Check out our 5 star ratings on Trustpilot to find out how we are changing the face of the industry as we know it.
Further Reading:
Question Time: Are Hublot Watches A Good Investment?
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