Rolex’s Daytona Cosmograph is one of the most iconic and cherished timepieces available today. From the “pre-Daytona” chronographs of the mid-20th century to the first Daytona, reference 6239 originally introduced in 1963, it is a model transcending the original tool watch purpose to a symbol for excellence in mechanical watchmaking, performance and luxury. Over its 60 year history the Daytona has been upgraded from manual wound watches to the first automatic model, the reference 16520 introduced in 1988, to current production models with fully in-house movements. In 2023, Rolex released at Watches and Wonder the new and improved caliber 4031 with the more efficient Rolex Chronergy escapement, and added more ball bearings to the winding rotor. In honor of the Daytona’s 60th anniversary, Rolex released a series of new models including the present reference 126518LN.

The new classic chronograph has a modern appeal offered with either golden or a bright black dial like the present watch. The smaller hour markers have a vintage feel reminiscent of the reference 16520, and high nighttime legibility with Chromalight blue luminescent hour markers. The Cerachrom ceramic bezel is highly durable with tachymetric scale made with the deposition of a thin layer of platinum in the numerals and graduations via a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process. Furthermore, the chronograph features the brands sporty Oysterflex bracelet.

The present, highly attractive Daytona Cosmograph is in new condition with its factory stickers still in place, and offered complete with its suite of accessories. It is a shining tribute to the model’s long and historic lineage in the world of horology.