Since this is Rolex we're talking about, these watches technically aren't limited editions, but you can bet that there'll be a years-long waitlist for each of them by the time you finish reading this sentence. This trio of watches also joins the Day-Date 40 and the GMT-Master II in the Rolex Meteorite family. The black bezel adds some contrast and framing, bringing out the crystalline grain of the meteorite in the process. (That watch is still in the catalog, but only with more traditional dial options.) This is the first time we're seeing a meteorite dial on a ceramic-bezel Daytona, and it's kind of the perfect watch to pair it with. 116509 Daytona (steel case, steel bracelet, steel bezel) with a meteorite dial, though it was only available with the less-beloved Roman numeral design. Rolex has used meteorite dials for quite some time now, and not too long ago, you could get the ref. That said, the meteorite dial gives this watch a personality all its own. 116505 )įrom a technical standpoint, these are the same Daytonas you've known for years: The same 40mm gold case, the same black ceramic or gold bezel, the same caliber 4130 movement, and either the same Oyster bracelet or rubber-and-metal Oysterflex "bracelet." These are all great things, and I'm very happy Rolex isn't futzing with the winning formula. 116508 ) Everose gold case, Everose gold bezel, Everose gold bracelet (ref. 116519LN ) Yellow-gold case, yellow-gold bezel, yellow-gold bracelet (ref. White-gold case, black Cerachrom bezel, Oysterflex bracelet (ref. Rolex is taking its trio of gold Daytonas and adding a beautiful meteorite dial to the mix. Whether one is attracted to the rich history of the brand or simply finds its products notable from an investment perspective, Rolex is a company whose wares are guaranteed to remain a benchmark for horological quality forever.New Daytona Day is always an exciting day, and this one's no exception. (Notably, the Crown even forges its own gold.) It wasn’t until the early 21st century that Rolex became the vertically integrated manufacturing behemoth that it is today, purchasing everything from movement manufacturers to bracelet companies. (Indeed, hand-wound Daytonas sold today at auction for eye-watering prices feature run-of-the-mill Valjoux movements that feature in watches from hundreds of other brands). Interestingly, for most of the firm’s history, Rolex largely did not produce its components in-house, including its movements. And the company continues to support scientific endeavors around the world. Despite its association since the 1970s more with luxury and status than with commando operations behind enemy lines or sporting achievements, Rolex still makes one of the most robust timepieces available on the contemporary market. Everest in 1953, Rolex watches have been associated with adventure for the better part of a century. Whether it’s a simple, time-only Air King, a function-first Submariner or a complicated GMT Master II for the jet set, a Rolex commands a certain respect on the wrist and says something about the discerning eye of its owner.įrom the swimming of the English channel in 1927 to the scaling of Mt. His efforts were clearly successful: Today, the word “Rolex” is nearly synonymous in the minds of millions around the word with “watch.”įrom the early waterproof Oyster case of the 1920s through to the ultra-complicated Sky Dweller of today, Rolex models and innovations have captivated a global audience and permeated the zeitgeist unlike those of any other brand. A veritable marketing genius, Wilsdorf understood the power of story, associating his watches with the most notable and intrepid athletes, explorers, soldiers and politicians of the 20th century.
Though much younger than many of its heavy-hitting horological cousins, Rolex has been at the fore of contemporary watch design virtually since its inception in 1905 by founder Hans Wilsdorf.