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The Rolex Daytona platinum edition, a new version of a real industry classic, commemorates 50 years of watchmaking history. The Rolex Daytona reference 116506, which was released in 2013 to commemorate the model’s 50th anniversary, made quite a stir among collectors when it first debuted.

The platinum Daytona watch had many things that people expected, such as having a Cerachrom bezel and Rolex’s own Caliber 4130 chronograph movement. But it surprised people by making the bezel ceramic and brown instead of the usual color, and by making the whole watch and bracelet from pure 950 platinum, which is quite a precious metal.

This blog post will provide you with a comprehensive Rolex Platinum Daytona Review.

Reference 116506

The Daytona International Speedway started in 1959 as the quickest racing track in the country, and it immediately became the site of the famed Rolex 24 At Daytona endurance competition in 1962. Rolex was also awarded the Official Timepiece of the Daytona International Speedway and the following year, the company dubbed its new racing chronograph the Cosmograph Daytona to emphasize its close relationship with the well-known racetrack.

In 2013, Rolex celebrated the Daytona model’s 50th anniversary by releasing the reference 116506 Rolex Daytona Platinum for sale in the market. This model has been highly valued but also stirred some controversy. Some questioned the use of platinum, a noble metal, as the casing material for Rolex’s most famous sports chronograph. This controversy seems to have only increased its appeal among those who appreciate its uniqueness.

The watch features a distinct color combination of ice-blue and chestnut brown, which initially surprised many for a sports chronograph. However, Rolex remained unfazed by the reaction. After all, the price of Rolex Platinum Daytona was tens of thousands of dollars so how mainstream it really needed to be?

Rolex targeted a specific customer base who appreciated the discernment required to own such a unique timepiece. It represents true luxury, perhaps even surpassing other luxury watches without gemstone embellishments that Rolex has ever produced. When viewed in this light, the high retail price begins to seem like a bargain.

A Premium Stopwatch in Platinum

To mark the 50th anniversary of its famous Daytona collection, Rolex wanted to make something really special. They did that by launching the Cosmograph Daytona Platinum edition watch for sale in the market. This watch is unique because it’s made entirely of platinum, with an ice-blue dial and a chestnut brown bezel. These features are different from the usual design of Daytona watches, but that’s what makes the anniversary edition, the Daytona 116506, so extraordinary.

The Daytona 116506’s 40mm Oyster case and bracelet are crafted from 950 platinum rather than gold or stainless steel, indicating from the start that this is a piece to be taken seriously by dedicated Rolex collectors and fans. After all, a significant occasion demands the use of a metal associated with distinction, and platinum is often considered as the noblest of all precious metals.

The Exquisite Shades

The icy blue dial of the Rolex Daytona Platinum cannot be ignored. It features a stylish and clean look that exudes character without losing the sophistication that this renowned chronograph watch brand is known for. For Rolex enthusiasts and those in the know, the usage of an ice-blue dial is a huge thing.

This particular shade is unique to platinum Rolex models and isn’t found on any other watches from the brand. This color scheme is a subtle sign to collectors and watch enthusiasts that this watch is made from solid 950 platinum. The Chestnut Brown Cerachrom bezel complements the three sub-dials on the dial perfectly, and the iconic red “DAYTONA” logo is clearly visible above the small-seconds hands at 6 o’clock.

When reference 116506 was introduced, it was only the third Rolex watch to have a Cerachrom bezel. Using this high-tech material in such an unusual warm brown color, especially paired with an ice-blue dial, was a bold move. It surprised the industry because Rolex is known for being conservative and traditional, so this daring touch was unexpected.

The Ice-Blue Dial

Even the addition of eleven diamonds cut in three different sizes set around the periphery cannot ruffle the feathers of Rolex’s icy blue dial. And, as you’d expect from the top-of-the-line Daytona model made of solid platinum, a diamond-set dial is definitely an option.

The reference 116506 has chestnut-brown rings surrounding the three sub-dials. However, there’s another version of the watch with the same reference number but a different dial setup. This model features an even icier appearance.

The Rolex Daytona Platinum reference 116506 gives you two options for the dial– the standard blue version with lume-filled hour markers or the ultra-luxurious diamond-set dial. The diamond-set dial features small square diamonds at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock; baguette-shaped diamonds at 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 11 o’clock; and shorter baguette diamonds at 2 and 10 o’clock.

This even more luxurious edition doesn’t have the chestnut brown rings and instead, it adds luxury to the dial with diamond indices replacing the luminous markers. Surprisingly, the blue color complements the clear diamonds so well that they can be easy to miss at first glance.

While the diamond-decorated dial offers a crisp alternative and unmatched luxury, it’s hard to ignore the beautiful combination of chestnut brown and ice-blue in the 2013 version. That’s the model with a rich history, and it’s the one that wowed people when it debuted at Baselworld 2013.

The Oyster Bracelet Made From Platinum

A sturdy platinum oyster bracelet with the brand’s signature Oysterlock safety clasp secures this contemporary work of art to the wrist. Additionally, this model features the exclusive Rolex Easylink extension system, which allows the wearer to quickly and easily adjust the bracelet by 5mm for a guaranteed snug and comfortable fit.

The solid three-link platinum bracelet adds considerable weight to the overall watch, making the platinum Daytona 116506 one of the heaviest Rolex watches ever made. This weight gives you the unmistakable sense that you’re wearing something of immense value, crafted with exceptional skill. Even compared to a solid gold watch, the platinum Rolex Daytona is surprisingly heavy, giving it a unique presence on the wrist that you have to experience to fully appreciate.

Upon closer examination, the true beauty of its 950 platinum shines through. There’s a strength in the metal that sets it apart from steel or white gold. Beyond its weight and pale white shine, platinum exudes a special quality that’s hard to put into words; it’s truly a noble material.

Reference 116506 Movement

Despite its fancy appearance, the platinum Rolex Daytona reference 116506 is all about what’s inside. Behind its closed caseback is the in-house Caliber 4130, working hard to keep accurate time no matter what.

This self-winding mechanical chronograph, the Caliber 4130, is built to be reliable with fewer parts than usual. It has advanced features like a column wheel and a vertical clutch. What’s more, it has Rolex’s special blue Parachrom hairspring, which can handle magnetic fields and resist shocks and temperature changes much better than regular hairsprings.

Since 1951, most Rolex watches have been COSC-certified. This means they’ve passed tough tests by a Swiss group that sets high standards for timekeeping. Then, in 1957, Rolex added “Superlative” to their dials. This showed that Rolex watches were even better than COSC-certified ones and met even stricter standards.

All platinum Rolex Daytona ref. 116506 watches are COSC-certified. But since the platinum Daytona came out in 2013, Rolex has raised the bar. They now test their watches even more to make sure they keep time incredibly well. They aim for -2/+2 seconds per day, which is top-notch accuracy.

The Legacy of Rolex Daytona in Platinum

Originally made for race car drivers and named after the world’s speed capital, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona has one of the most thrilling stories among all the brand’s collections. It was first designed to help drivers keep track of lap times while racing, but over time, it has become one of the most well-known and desired watches worldwide.

Even though the Rolex Platinum Daytona ref. 116506 is made from solid 950 platinum and has a striking ice-blue dial with a chestnut brown ceramic bezel, it still has all the same features as other models in Rolex’s contemporary chronograph lineup. Like the more utility-focused stainless steel models, the platinum Daytona has a movement certified as a chronometer and can resist water up to 100 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear.

To make sure that this exceptional timepiece maintains its precision, a Mozsly watch winder could be a valuable investment. Mozsly winders are designed to accommodate the specific needs of luxury watches so they are always ready for use without the need to reset or wind manually.

Mozsly watch winders are known for their reliability and quiet operation, making them an excellent choice for maintaining luxury automatic watches. They are equipped with a Japan-made electric motor with a gentle hum, quiet enough not to disturb sleep. Offering various settings to accommodate different watch winding needs, Mozsly winders can be a significant tool for any serious collector.

The versatility extends to powering options, as they can run on both AC power and AA batteries, with a feature to link multiple units together for an efficient setup. So, order yours now!

Wrapping Up

This concludes our Rolex platinum Daytona review. Boldly luxurious and featuring a unique color combination typical of Rolex’s top-tier offerings, the 50th-anniversary platinum Daytona 116506 is an essential part of the brand’s legendary racing chronograph story. Among Rolex’s iconic chronographs, the platinum Daytona stands out as the most luxurious option. If the high price doesn’t deter you, it’s hard to find a better addition to any serious luxury watch collection.

Need a watch winder for your Rolex Daytona Platinum? Mozsly is a professional manufacturer of watch winders, providing customizable TPD settings to meet all watch winding requirements. Contact us today!