Rolex treats us with FIVE new Daytonas

Borna Bošnjak

Rolex has finally revealed their new releases for Watches & Wonders 2023, and the Cosmograph Daytona is certainly among the most anticipated. Without further ado, let’s get right into the new features and the five new models that mark the model’s 60th anniversary.

The new features

The biggest new upgrade to the Daytona line-up is the new Calibre 4131, and the fact that it will now be visible through a sapphire caseback on the platinum Daytona. The automatic column wheel chronograph is equipped with a Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers and features a 72-hour power reserve. It’s also well-decorated, a departure from the usual industrial decoration Rolex goes for.

The new Cerachrom bezels on the platinum, steel panda and yellow gold models have a different look, appearing wider and flatter. They’re inlaid with either platinum or yellow gold, matching the metal colour of the case, with a case-matching metal surround. It’s not just the bezels that were re-designed. The Oyster cases, measuring in at 40mm in diameter and 11.9mm in height, have been re-profiled as well, increasing the reflections from the curved lugs and case sides. Continuing the subtle tweaks in classic Rolex fashion, the dials also follow this trend, though the tweaks are minimal, Rolex hope to bring the cohesion of their designs to a maximum with added contrasts between the lacquered or sunburst surfaces and the sub-dial colours.

The new models

The platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona will forever be the grail piece of many, and Rolex is introducing a brand-new version for 2023. The reference 126506 features a 40mm 950 platinum case and bracelet, with a chestnut brown Cerachrom bezel. The dial is an icy blue sunburst with white gold hour markers and hands, with contrasting brown sub-dial surrounds. The 126506 also offers a sapphire caseback, with the 4131 movement featuring an 18k yellow gold rotor – something incredibly rare in a Rolex, previously only seen on some Cellini models.

Likely to be a crowd-pleaser, the panda Daytona is back. Christened as the reference 126500 LN, it’s a familiar look, with ever so slightly re-profiled bezel and dial features. Along with the platinum and two-tone models, the new sub-dial layout is really visible, with less space dedicated to the chapter rings.

While the platinum Cosmograph Daytona still manages to be somewhat subtle with its white precious metal, the Everose case and bracelet reference 126505 goes all-out, including the sunray brushed chronograph registers and dial appliques.

Rolex didn’t forget about the Oysterflex bracelet, either. While all other models sport the excellent three-link Oyster bracelet, the yellow gold reference 126518 LN opts for Rolex’s rubber-with-internal-metal-links option for a decidedly sporty look. The gold on black colour scheme surely takes some cues from John Player Special Daytonas of the past, especially with the new Cerachrome bezel with gold inlays.

Finally, we’ve got concrete proof that two-tone is becoming ever more popular, as Rolex also refreshed the Rolesor daytona. With a simple white lacquer dial and gold sub-dial outers outlined in black, this is an old-school look for the Daytona that makes the most of the breath of fresh air.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 2023 pricing and availability:

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 2023 models are available now. Price: starting from A$21,350

Reference Number126500 LN
126503
126518 LN
126505
126506

Brand	Rolex
Model	Cosmograph Daytona
Case Dimensions	40mm (D) x 11.9mm (T)
Case Material	Oystersteel Rolesor 18k yellow gold Everose gold 950 platinum
Water Resistance	100 metres
Dial	Lacquer white, yellow gold, sunburst black or ice blue
Crystal(s)	Sapphire crystal, sapphire crystal caseback on platinum model
Strap	Oyster bracelet Oysterflex bracelet (126518 LN only)
Movement	Calibre 4131, Superlative Chronometer
Power Reserve	72 hours
Functions	Chronograph, hours, minutes, running seconds
Availability	Now
Price	A$21,350 (126500 LN) A$27,550 (126503) A$43,200 (126518 LN) A$60,000 (126505) POA (126506)