Instead of making changes to the top-selling Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph collection — for 2021 Rolex opted to create three new Daytona variations.
Considering that since the debut of stainless steel ceramic bezel equipped Daytonas in 2016, Rolex’s chronograph collections have dominated the market, and effectively started the trend of consumers paying over retail on the secondary market — not to mention long waiting lists at ADs — so it’s not too surprising that no significant changes were made to the chronograph line this year. Why change the watch collection with the best resale on the market?
Introducing the Rolex Daytona in 18K Gold fitted with Meteorite dials. There are three references in total. One in an 18K white gold case with a meteorite dial, black subdials, and an Oysterflex rubber strap. The other two are 18K rose and yellow gold, respectively, with meteorite dials, black subdials, and solid gold Oyster bracelets. Each version has the same sliced meteorite dial with black subdials, with hands and markers that match the gold of the respective case. However, while the white gold version has a black ceramic bezel, the rose and yellow gold variants use matching solid gold bezels.
Along with the familiar 40 mm diameter case, with screw-locked crown and pushers, Rolex’s tried and true 4Hz automatic caliber 4130 is unchanged from previous years and boasts a “Superlative” chronometer rating of -2/+2 (tested after being cased up), as well as a 72-hour maximum power reserve.
A fully redesigned Daytona — or new stainless steel versions of the existing Daytonas — would have surely added fuel to the fire of the hottest watch on the planet — but even precious metal cases with meteorite dials should add to the insatiable demand for Rolex’s one and only chronograph.
The 2021 Rolex Daytona 18K Gold with Meteorite dial start at $34,050 on an Oysterflex black rubber bracelet in 18K white gold (Ref. 116519LN), then jumps to $43,700 in 18K rose gold (Ref. 116505LN), and $41,000 for the 18K yellow gold version (Ref. 116508LN).
