Rolex Daytona 116518

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116518 Blue Racing Dial 18k YG

Released in 2000 as a brand new generation of Daytona, the ref. 1165XX featured much of the same unchanged design that the previous “Zenith” Daytona had, except for several relatively minor details. To begin with, the dial layout had changed slightly, so the running seconds subdial went from 9 o'clock to 6' clock, and the subdials were no longer in line with the center of the dial. Instead, they moved up slightly above the middle of the dial (running from 9 to 3 o'clock). Additionally, Rolex gave the new Daytona broader indices to accommodate more lume, longer lugs, and a mirror finish on the case flanks to differentiate the latest generation even further. But, without doubt, the latest generation’s most significant upgrade was Rolex’s new (at the time) in-house automatic cal. 4130 chronograph movement. Designed to be ruthlessly efficient, it has just 201 parts - a 20% decrease on the previous movement, the cal. 4030, making for an even more reliable movement requiring even less servicing. Additionally, with more space free to accommodate a larger mainspring, Rolex increased the cal. 4030's power reserve from 50 to 72 hours in the cal. 4130. All in all, even for a 20+ year old movement, the cal. 4130 is incredible even by today’s standards and fitting for the Daytona’s legendary legacy. This example is a P serial, making it one of the very first examples of the 4130 caliber Rolexes. Offered here we have the ref. 116518, an 18kt yellow gold variant of the Daytona with a gorgeous blue dial. Presented on a leather strap with an 18kt yellow gold Rolex deployant buckle, this variant takes the Daytona’s sporty aesthetic and refines it so as to create a new identity for the Daytona that makes it more classical in its execution. Brand : Rolex Dimensions : 40mm Model : Daytona Movement : Automatic cal. 4130 Reference : 116518 Bracelet : Leather strap Year : Circa 2007 Condition : Very good Material : 18kt yellow gold Included : Watch, later Rolex Box and Booklet Dial Color : Blue THE DIAL Featuring a blue racing dial, this Daytona swaps its usual stick indices for applied luminescent Arabic numerals. THE CONSTRUCTION Made of 18kt yellow gold and offered on a leather strap, this ref 116518 variant adds a dressier elegance to the Daytona's design than we typically see when it is paired with its typical Oyster bracelet. TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.