As we all know, there are watches that are classified in the “Diver” category, but there are also those for which a separate “Driver” category was created, and the undisputed flagship of this category is precisely the Daytona. In principle, the original name of the model was Cosmograph, and it received its nickname “Daytona” in the late 60s after many years of sponsorship in motorsports and in honor of the Daytona International Speedway.
It is a known fact that Rolex is the largest manufacturer of luxury watches with over a million units produced each year, but despite this fact, it is a brand that not only retains its value the most over time, but also has some models that are almost impossible to simply buy in a distributor's store. The hardest to find, and those for which there are long waiting lists, is precisely the Daytona – in the steel version, regardless of whether it has a white or black dial. It is undeniable that the Daytona long ago became a fashion accessory (and even a status symbol), but the watch incorporates very specific functions that aim to pursue its original purpose – that of a true “driver”. Measuring and calculating time, average and instantaneous speed through the use of the chronograph and the tachy-scale – all these functionalities aim to assist every owner of the watch in their sporting activities, and the 40-millimeter Oyster case (when this name is present in the name of a Rolex, you can safely get it "wet") and the Triplock crown provide the necessary water resistance of 100 m for marine adventures.
The specific watch is from the generation of the model launched in 2016, and this particular one, besides being the so-called "bi-metal Daytona," is in a classic dial combination – white color.
The Daytona is neither the most expensive, the most robust, the most complicated, nor the most beautiful “Driver” – why then is it so desired, valued, and successful? Surely one of the reasons lies in its now-famous in-house movement, Caliber 4130, which has a reputation for being robust, accurate, durable, and easy to service. The movement's faithful "service" to the fame and honor of Rolex began in 2000 (just to remind you, with this movement Rolex replaced the Zenith El Primero used for decades in this model!) and in these now 22 years, it has earned the reputation of being one of the most reliable and robust chronographs ever. An automatic chronograph with a column wheel, hacking function, operating at 28,800 vibrations, with 44 jewels, 201 parts, and a power reserve of over 72 hours, and of course, we cannot go without some of Rolex's patents – in this case, the Paraflex anti-shock system and the Parachrom hairspring.
The dial of the watch is very balanced and easily legible despite the many functions, and the luminescence of the hands and indices facilitates its use at night – it is in a pleasant-to-the-eye bluish color and glows sufficiently bright and long.
Despite the fact that the Daytona is a professional instrument, as was the manufacturer's intention from its very launch, it is clear to everyone that for a long time now it has become a luxury attribute – and for quite some time this function has prevailed over the original reason for its creation. Perhaps for this very reason, Rolex does many things in this model so that the appearance and the overall impression the watch creates prevail over its functionality. The first thing that makes an impression is the sapphire – Rolex is well-known for the fact that they do not apply anti-reflective coating to the crystals of their watches – there are several versions for the reasons, but I most like the one that Rolex does it so that the look of their watches does not change for a long time and generations of its owners can enjoy this consistency. The second, of course, is the fact that the manufacturer managed to create an icon more than 50 years ago, and through all these years and different models, the design has hardly changed – another proof of the timelessness of classic designs. The third, of course, is the use of precious metals in its production – the bezel, crown, pushers, and hands are made of 18-carat gold – the effect is stunning!
For the case back of the watch, Rolex uses a simple solid back (as, by the way, in all its models) – in the case of the Daytona, it is devoid of any markings, inscriptions, or other "decorations". As we all know, for its watches, Rolex uses 904L stainless steel – the difference with the usual 316 L for other brands is in the greater resistance (especially against salt water), and in this case, the alloy called Rolesor by the brand is also used – 18-carat gold. It is a widely known fact that Rolex can be called fanatics when it comes to the metals they use – a large part of the metallurgical processes are done in-house to guarantee a consistent quality of the raw material – many watches have passed through my hands, but I can say with absolute certainty that no other brand devotes so much attention and effort to the quality of the final product in terms of the finish of the cases – and as a result, a unique quality and presence cannot but be achieved.
For many years, the Daytona has been offered with a three-piece steel bracelet with a profile that tapers towards the clasp – in this case, the center link is made of solid gold, and the bracelet is just as comfortable, and the clasp deserves separate attention. It was the Daytona that was the first model in which Rolex first used a clasp made from a single block of steel that is milled (and not from bent sheet metal as in previous models) – subsequently, this clasp and its variations have been implemented in most other Rolex models. Today's watch has the newest clasp with the Easylink link, allowing for a quick size change with an additional 5 mm.
Indeed, in the 60s, Rolex created a great product and invested the next 50+ years to improve and perfect it. If at the beginning it was appreciated by customers as a not very expensive, specialized watch primarily for motorsports, today it is to a greater extent a fashion accessory, which, however, has all the qualities to become a long-term partner to its owner, who not only will not let you down, but also will not lose much of its value, because it is no secret to anyone here that this brand, besides not being found with large discounts when new, also has the reputation of a brand with the best value-retaining watches, and this particular model can boldly be ranked at the forefront of Rolex in terms of popularity and, accordingly, one of the most sought-after and desired. Surely one of the reasons for this is the fact that this watch looks equally good on your wrist whether you are in a formal suit or dressed in worn jeans and a white t-shirt – in both cases, the Daytona will help attract approving glances to your appearance.
