In this video, watch expert Eric Rivera reviews the iconic racing chronograph from the Rolex brand: the Daytona.

Eric expresses his strong affinity for the Rolex Daytona early on.

He says,

“It's that one watch that I feel every serious collector should own.”

Eric goes on to explain that the 50-year+ Daytona was inspired by race car drivers and racing enthusiasts all over the world. In 1969, the watch's popularity was actually catapulted by actor Paul Newman in the racing film “Winning.” Because of Newman, who played racecar driver Frank Capua in the film, different style Daytona models were eventually named after him and also many vintage Paul Newman Daytona models are highly valued by collectors today.

When you look at the bezel of a Daytona chrono, you will notice a scale all around it. These markings are for the important tachymeter function of the watch, which is used to measure speed (as in car races) - an essential feature of the Daytona.

The Modern Cosmograph Daytona – Case Materials and Bezel

There are a lot of variations when it comes to the modern Cosmograph Daytona. The watch comes in practically every metal that Rolex uses to make watches: gold (yellow, white or rose), platinum, two-tone, and stainless steel.

The platinum, ice-blue dial Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 116506 was released by Rolex in Basel World 2013 as a 50th anniversary edition. Other than the cool dial color, one cool thing about the watch is that it came equipped with a ceramic (“Cerachrome”) brownish bezel. Even though this Daytona was not the first of the brand to be adorned with a ceramic bezel, it was still favorably welcomed by watch aficionados all over the globe because of the modification. Furthermore, it continues to be a popular timepiece among avid collectors.

Although it is not discussed on this video, Rolex caused quite a stir for releasing a different Cerachrome-bezel Daytona with during Baswelworld 2016. But why the big deal, given that the Swiss watchmaker had previously introduced other ceramic designs? Two words: stainless steel!

The new 904L steel steel Daytona chronograph released by Rolex comes equipped with a black ceramic bezel and pays tribute to the racing inspired Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona from the 1960s. Many fans had actually been praying for a ceramic, stainless steel model for years!

Importance of the Stainless Steel Daytona

As Eric mentions, the stainless steel Daytona is “one of the most all around versatile variations of that model.” For that reason, it is a watch that is perfect for any occasion.

The stainless Daytona comes with either a black or white dial. Even though Eric first preferred the black dial Daytona, over the years he has grown a lot more fond of the white dial version, since it gives the impression that the watch is slightly bigger than it really is and the color also blends well with the metal.

Daytona Size – The Million-Dollar Question!

The modern Rolex Cosmograph Daytona comes in a 40mm case size, which some men might feel is a bit too small for their liking, especially those with relative large wrists.

Regarding the size topic, Eric asks up an important question in the video:

“Will Rolex ever make a bigger Daytona?”

He goes on to explain that he does not think Rolex will ever change the 40-millimeter case size on the Daytona because of the huge demand that currently exists for the watch as it is. Why change a model that “has every single unit sold before it can even leave the factor?”

Despite the 40-mm size, the Daytona is a model that is widely loved by both men and women. Consequently, Rolex is likely to never make it bigger. Dang it!

Which Daytona Should You Buy?

As Eric explains in the video, there are so many variations of the Rolex Daytona that you will surely “find the right combination that your style demands.” Nevertheless, our watch expert goes on to provide his personal preferences when it comes to this iconic model, which might help you determine which option is right for you.

“I like to stick with the two-tone more...traditional combinations.”

Regarding the yellow gold models, he also adds,

“I...tend to lean more towards the special dials, like the pearl or the Paul Newman ones.”

Finally, Eric suggests to opt for a Daytona on a strap if you prefer the more discreet and dressier look when it comes to luxury watches. Another advantage of sporting the watch on a leather strap is that the overall cost of the watch will be lower.

So there you have it!

What are your thoughts when it comes to the Rolex Daytona and which are your favorite models? Let us know what you think.

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