Not Your Everyday Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is a watch that has taken on mythical gravitas that few other watches possess. Like the Omega Speedmaster, the Daytona is recognized for its balanced proportions, three subdials, and a watch that just looks accurate because of the push buttons and well positioned subdials. With its appeal to both adventurers and models found wearing this watch by choice, it is one of the most recognized watches on the planet.

Adding Some Bling…

Rolex’s latest Daytona Ref 116598 RBOW released at Baselworld 2012, is an all 18ct yellow gold Cosmograph complete with diamond pave on the lugs and crown guard, and an array of sapphires on the bezel. The sapphires in a variety of rainbow colors giving the bezel a multi-tone look that many would like to see in the ceramic bezeled watches. One of the criticisms of Rolex ceramic bezels is that they are only one solid color. With this new 116598 RBOW Cosmograph, the bezel reveals the colors of the rainbow contrasted on the lacquer dial and 18 ct Rolex smelted gold case. There is also a white gold Reference 116599 RBOW available as well.

It’s all Daytona

Like other Rolex Cosmograph Daytonas, the 116598/9 reflects it roots going back to the original Cosmograph in 1950 when the moon phases were contrasted with dark blue sky painted on the dial. The dial is of black lacquer that contrasts with the red hands of the subdial (Rolex factoid: only all-gold Rolex Daytonas have red subdial and second hands; no other Rolex Cosmograph possesses red hands including the all stainless or two-tone models). The 116598/9 is equipped with Rolex’s in-house 4130 automatic winding caliber, complete with the non-magnetic Parachrom hairspring, sapphire crystal, and COSC certification for accuracy. The case is all 18 ct gold as is the bracelet and clasp. Rolex smelts all its own metal in-house and is the largest user of gold in Switzerland, and with beautiful polished and brushed case and bracelets such as on the 116598/9, one can see why there is the demand. The case is water-resistant to 100 meters, even with the pressure-proof pushers unscrewed, and there is a 5 mm EasyLink extension link to make easy adjustments for when the weather becomes warm.

A legendary watch now becomes even more stunning.