Rolex Daytona Chronograph

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SKU AS03167
SKU AS03167

Why We Love it

Why We Love It

Love 'em or hate 'em, the Rolex Daytona is the most sought after watch in the world.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've undoubtedly heard a lot of noise about vintage Daytonas selling for pretty serious prices of late. Back in 2017, Paul Newman's very own 'Paul Newman' Daytona sold for an astonishing price of $17.8 million at Phillips Auction House. 

While vintage Daytonas aren't for every taste --and certainly not for every budget-- there are some more contemporary versions that, while still highly sought after, haven't completely exploded out of the reach of mere mortals. Yet.

Powered by the manufacture Calibre 4130, this 39mm Daytona Reference 116518 is a recent and somewhat misunderstood model. Produced in solid 18K yellow gold, the 116518 carries the design language of the 'Zenith' Daytona that preceded it, and the same in-house automatic chronograph movement powering the current lineup.

Setting the 116518 apart from other solid gold variants is the partial 'hooded lug' design of the lugs/strap setup - allowing for the fitment of a variety of strap options with a solid gold deployant clasp included.

This particular example, a 'Y' Serial model dating from circa 2002, shows a strong case and flawless dial with just enough wear showing to allow for carefree use. Fitted with a genuine Rolex signed black leather strap and inclusive of a quality aftermarket rubber strap, it makes for a killer and versatile timepiece - particularly going into the warmer months.

While the 'strap only' variants are somewhat controversial to Daytona purists, they offer a tremendous value proposition - we'd encourage you to look at them seriously!

The Story

The Daytona is Rolex's only chronograph in current production.

Before the Cosmograph and Daytona models, Rolex had produced chronographs since the 1930s, setting the mold for what would ultimately become the single best-known chronograph in the world. These early watches, like many chronographs of the period, had monochromatic dials and a tachymeter ring printed on the outer edge of the dial. 

The design of the Cosmograph gradually changed, but the Oyster case remained at its heart. A change in dial configuration (mainly a shift from monochrome to the "panda" color schemes now closely associated with it) along with the removal of the tachymetric scale to the bezel made it a clear sportsman's watch. With the addition of the name Daytona in 1964 (taken from the 24 Hours of Daytona Race which Rolex started sponsoring in 1962), the motorsports association was cemented.

The result of years of R&D, the movement used in the Reference 116520--the Calibre 4130--was the manufacture's first new in-house caliber in five decades. The Calibre 4130's construction--consisting of a vertical clutch, a larger balance wheel, and fewer screws--made it far more accurate (and more easily-serviced) than any of Rolex's previous self-winding chronograph calibres.

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Rolex Daytona Chronograph

Rolex Daytona Chronograph

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Rolex Daytona Chronograph

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