The Rolex Daytona

[Tools]

Cosmograph Daytona
By LarryD

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is arguably, the most well known watch on earth. Say the name Daytona in almost any country and you get nods and murmers of understanding – even if there is an otherwise language barrier.

The Daytona has reached cult status it seems. Look at the wrists of celebrities, the wealthy, and the want-to-be’s. If there is a Daytona there, and there are a lot of them, it will be prominately displayed along with all the other badges and symbols that define us.

Sports watches and chronographs in particular, are constantly being re-defined and transformed, but the Daytona remains largely unchanged (visually) since its release in the early 1960’s.

Rolex introduced their chronograph watches in the 1930’s, with the basic two-button design we are familiar with appearing in 1937 with those watches that contained the Valjoux movement. Our beloved Daytona began to emerge in its present form in 1949 along with the Oyster case and familiar Cosmograh name. Finally, in 1960 with the appearance of the tachymeter scale on the bezel of the Cosmograph reference 6239, rather than on the dial, it morphed into its iconic present configuration.

By 1961 the name Daytona began appearing on the Cosmograph with the 6241 models, but the name stuck after a time and all Cosmos were known eventually as the “Daytona”, even if the name wasn’t there. Today the 6239 and 6241 references, manual wind, non-screw down pushers, are the grail watch for many collectors.

The 1970’s hailed the last major changes to the manual chronograph with the introduction of screw-down pushers in the reference 6263. This change allowed the Daytona to be listed as waterproof to 50 meters, and finally 100 meters in depth. In these early days, only the Gold and Two-Tone models sported “Chronometer” on the dial, the only manual wind models to do so.

The early Daytona used the very reliable Valjoux movement up until 1987 when favor turned to the Zenith El Primero movement which earned its’ place in history in 1969 as the worlds first automatic integrated chronograph movement. Zenith movements were a very fast beat 36,000 BPH, but Rolex redesigned the movement to operate at it's typical 28,8000 BPH. Likely this was done to keep grease and oils on the fast moving parts and to ensure that it remained reliable and stable for it's expected lifetime. Coined the cal. 4030, this impressive workhorse powered the Daytona 16520 from it's introduction in ~1987 until Rolex introduction of their own fully patented and in-house built Cal. 4130 just a short decade later in 2000 in the 116520.

The 4130 Movement:

The latest and possibly best Daytona was introduced at the Basel World Watch and Jewelery Show in March of 2000. The 4130 design allows truly unique actuation for the start/stop/reset mechanics, while taking up less room inside the case allowing a larger, therefore, more accurate or precise balance system. The movement incorporates some important Rolex traits: a balance bridge rather than the usual balance cock seen in other movements; a large balance wheel; and lately, their own Parachrom Bleu in-house hairspring. The 4130 also moved the sub-dial configuration around with the sub-seconds now in the traditional 6 o’clock position rather than the earlier 9 o’clock slot; the sub-minute dial at 3 o’clock, and the sub-hour dial at 9 o’clock. The two horizontal sub-dials are also now 7 degrees above the center shaft rather than straight across as before. It is likely that this configuration was done to thwart counterfeiters.

It is likely the latest Rolex Cosmograph Daytona has firmly cemented itself in horological history both from an engineering perspective, and as a worldwide watch icon.
(Copyright 23 February 2008, Larry Draper)

The Daytona can look intimidating but it is a very simple watch to operate. The 3 sub-dials are, at the 6 o'clock position a standard seconds dial, at 3 o'clock a 30 minute timer for the stopwatch function, and at the 9 o'clock position a 12 hour timer for the stopwatch. The stopwatch is read with the main seconds hand and is activated by the pushers that are located on either side of the Triplock crown. The upper pusher is for start/stop, and the lower pusher is to reset to zero.

The bezel is a standard Tachymetre where the stopwatch is activated when an object first starts/crosses a measured mile/kilometer, and then stopped at the end of the measured distance. An estimate of speed is then read off the bezel.


Daytona Reference Numbers:
1960 to 1991 - 6239, 6241, 6240, 6262, 6263, 6264, 6265
1991 to 2000 - 16520
2000 to present - 116520

Date of production:
1960 to 1991 with Valjoux movements including the 72B, 722/1, 727
1991 to 2000 with modified Zenith movement
2000 to present (for the current 4130 in-house equipped model)

Movement: 4130

Case: 40mm Triplock

Weight:
SS - 146 grams
WG - 200 grams
WG w/strap - 121 grams

Power Reserve: ~72 hours without chronograph engaged

Review cal.4030 vs. cal. 4130
Review: Zenth Daytona vs. 4130 Daytona

Photographs:

Dial. White
(Photos Courtesy of Mike)




The 4130 Movement
(Courtesy Web File photo)
Kal4130.jpg

6_Hairspring.jpg

The Daytona bracelet and Clasp is a great improvement over the earlier stamped steel offerings. A Daytona Clasp is a sought after up-grade for any Rolex:
CosmoBackside.jpg
ymcl14.jpg

Beginning in about October of 2008, Rolex seems to have changed the Daytona Clasp to a more modern "channel" construction offering:

(Photo Courtesy Felly Jr.)
NewClaspDaytona084.jpg
NewClaspDaytona121.jpg

[Tools]

While all versions of the Daytona with contrasting registers have become 'known' as Paul Newmans, some would argue that the only true Paul Newman models are described as follows: The 6239 and 6241 case numbers, manual wind, stainless steel non-Oyster cases, non-screw-down pushers, and pre-Triplock crown, with either the black dial with white registers, or the cream white dial with black registers--featuring square markers and crossed subdials.



Cream Dial Paul Newman Daytona: (Courtesy jac67; photo by Gedanken)

[Tools]

Waterproof Daytona

It seems we get questions about the Daytona and it's waterproof capabilities quite a bit lately.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, with screw down pushers, is waterproof to the same 100m capability of all Oyster Cased Rolexes. The Daytona is waterproof whether the pusher screwlocks are tight or not.

The pushers internal actuation are the weak link for this depth rating and must not be pushed while submerged. To ensure this, screw locks are fitted to each pusher.

The pusher is an assembly that contains it's own internal "O" rings and is screwed into the case with a gasket seal against the case. When the pusher is depressed, it deforms the "O" rings slightly and may allow water to enter the movement through the actuator rod hole. They also may be inadvertantly depressed so the usual mode should be with the pushers screwed down and locked unless in use.

Cal4130 O Ring.jpg

[Tools]

The very rare Rolex At Daytona 24hr does exist.. Rolex has sponsored Daytona Speedway Races sine 1991, and gives class winners a presentation Rolex.

Inscribed on the back is:

WINNER
ROLEX
At Daytona (date) 24

These are very rare and only came in Stainless Steel, so any exotic metal example is likely a fake. Also, many are engraved "Rolex AD Daytona", which is nonsense and fake too.

Here is a page from the Antiquarium Catalogue of a verified and auctioned authentic Winner Daytona. Note that location and size of the Winner engraving. There are some very good fakes with correct wording, but the Winner is smaller and in the wrong location:

[Tools]

1175360760.jpg

[oneillba]

Thanks for the info. Way out of my price range. Maybe if I win the lottery.

[-Subsevens]

WOW!!!!!!!!!! I think I am falling in love...

[sam25magic]

It is my target but not sure if I can achieve it. Need to wait for it and hopefully get a good price.

[bewithabob]

Nice review, thank you. The Daytona is a beauty.

[simbal]

New to the board, great forum, already learned a lot. Now ROlex came out with a Everose Daytona, do you guys think they may come out with a everose tt Daytona? I would love one!
So glad I found the board.

[bombay]

that Daytona with the metorite dial is awesome!!!!!

[rolexrealtor]

That meteorite dial is awesome, but I'll pass on the rose gold...

[joesm39]

love the rose gold..

[force1271]

I fell in love with the daytona the first time I saw it. I was in Cegas and was on my way to purchase my third Sub the 18K, when the salesman showed me the 18K daytona withe the MOP dial i instantly purchased it and haven't looked back since.

[oztimelord]

Thought, I would add some Daytona Tales.

My first introduction to Rolex was a grand experience, as I managed to secure a SS Black Face Z series Daytona. Loved the price point (compared to my Pateks), the accuracy and the 72 hr power reserve which made it the perfect working week watch. Unfortunately it was sacrificed to provide partial funds for my Patek 5100J purchase.

I’m a firm believer that every serious collection needs a ‘Grail Watch’ to effectively act as a foundation stone. With respect to Rolex, my interpretation of this phenomenon is 6263 silver dialled Daytona.

I caught a glimpse of this magnificent beauty about a year ago, however it was not to be mine. About a month ago, as fate would have it, I stumbled into my regular Rolex and Patek AD. Whilst having a general chat about all things watches he mentioned that a former customer sold an old 6263 silver dialled Daytona. Wow I thought to myself !!!!!

As soon as it came back from the Rolex Service Centre, one look and it was mine.


A wristshot.



While waiting for another SS Daytona, I just had to get a black dial 116509 WG, the dial and contrast is just amazing. A new version of the term 'Exotic dial' comes to mind. No wonder Rolex use this one in all their promotion.



First impressions are very positive. Love the 'Click' sound when one pushes the chrono button. The power reserve of 72hrs and quick wind-up is very practical. Especially when you want to change watches on weekends.



I have to say only Rolex could get away with a full white gold sportswatch with such class. The dial of the 116509 gives a more 'Tres Chic' look and a less formal vibe when compared to the SS models.



Still getting used to the weight of the watch on the wrist.

[Cosmographer]

That meteorite face is the coolest---but still partial to my white one
Cos

[Nikko]

Do they all have the Rolex engraving on the inside of the bezel?

[hsung]

Originally Posted by Nikko

Do they all have the Rolex engraving on the inside of the bezel?

The Rolex engravings were introduced lately to make it more difficult for counterfeits. JHB wrote an article on the evolution of the Daytona

edit: We are on TRF and in the middle of a review written by one of our members and you want to promote someones else site?

[Cosmographer]

I believe the engraving is a newer thing--I don't see it on mine (R series 20 yrs. old)
Peace,
Cosmog.

[fisk]

great watch! got one last month, 116520 white dial. very happy

[Greenring]

Great posts of a grail (for some) watch. Meteorite dial is fascinating. I'm beginning to understand the WIS tag because I suspect I'm turning into one.

[fikko]

Originally Posted by Tools

Attachment 28367

is it the same for 16523 on the dial info? i feel that white dial is also easier to find than black. while gold dial is the most common and slate dial is the rarest.

[wmthedirector]

nice job larry,
the stainless steal is awesome, the rose gold too, thanks for posting.

[Pulpdiction]

Has anyone got a picture of all the dial options on the Daytona, there has been talk of a new dial on the 2-tone, anyone got pics?

[MiningGuy]

Originally Posted by Pulpdiction

Has anyone got a picture of all the dial options on the Daytona, there has been talk of a new dial on the 2-tone, anyone got pics?

This may help:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=51701

[hsung]

Also, Jocke took a pic of the new TT dial at http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=52856.

[ldmarcht]

I have a 2006 white face SS Daytona, I'm very lucky to have it. I've done a cursory scan and have a question about the bezel.

Is the bezel white gold or stainless steel on the SS Daytona? just wondering.

LM

[wmthedirector]

Thank you Larry, very nice review,

[Mrdi]

A Pleasure Tools.

Thanks,

Mrdi

[polex]

Originally Posted by Tools

While all versions of the Daytona with contrasting registers have become 'known' as Paul Newmans, some would argue that the only true Paul Newman models are described as follows: The 6239 and 6241 case numbers, manual wind, stainless steel non-Oyster cases, non-screw-down pushers, and pre-Triplock crown, with either the black dial with white registers, or the cream white dial with black registers--featuring square markers and crossed subdials.



Cream Dial Paul Newman Daytona: (Courtesy jac67; photo by Gedanken)

This will be my second Rolex. I´m trying to find one. What a great watch!! All daytona are great, but I have an especial love for this one.