BaselWorld 2013: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116506

Twenty-Five Years. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was officially released in 1963. making 2013 the 50th anniversary of this watch. The current design of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona dates back to the 1988. Refinements have been made to the movement, construction and clasp, but the basic look of the watch has remained the same for 25 years  now. The design has stood up to the test of time, and is still as attractive today as when it was first released.  There are Rolex Daytona fans who would like to see some changes in the watch. Some would like a date display integrated into the dial, others would like the case to be enlarged and some would like both. For every Rolex Daytona fan who wants some changes to the basis design, another likes it just the way it is. I cannot recall anyone wanting a radical redesign of this watch. 

At BaselWorld 2013, Rolex has brought a new fresh take on the Cosmograph Daytona, but it is not an all new design. 

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116506. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116506 is the first Daytona to be manufactured of Platinum. Platinum is the most valuable of the classic precious metals used in watch manufacture. Platinum, has a sheen slightly different from white gold and stainless steel, but the casual observer will likely not notice. To distinguish the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116506 from its lower cost siblings, Rolex has given the Ref. 116506 a Chestnut Brown CERACHROM bezel, and a Ice Blue dial. 

The CERACHROM dial was first used on a Cosmograph Daytona in 2011. The Ice Blue dial, screams Platinum, to the Rolex fan, being reminiscent of the Glaciar Blue dial used on Platinum Rolex Day-Date's.  

Other than the use of Platinum and the new color scheme on the bezel and dial, this watch identical to the previous models. It is still 40 mm in diameter and has the same COSC certified 4130 movement inside which beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a long 72-hour power reserve to accommodate the additional strain of utilizing the Chronograph function.

Now this watch won't have wide appeal. The Platinum material used means this watch will be failrly hefty. This watch should retail at somewhere north of US$65,000, limiting its appeal. Still, if you have been looking for the ultimate Rolex Cosmogrpah Daytona. this is it.

You can read more about the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona at this link.

About Rolex. Rolex SA is a Swiss manufacturer of wristwatches and accessories founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. Rolex is the largest single luxury watch brand by far, producing over 2000 watches per day. Rolex is the best known and most sought after watch brand in the world.