DAYTONA: An Epitome of Symmetry & Balance

The Daytona International Speedway is the birthplace of speed, and Daytona Beach is the home of various notable racing events. So, it makes sense how the watch got its name. Originally designed and released in 1956, keeping the niche racing community in mind, the Rolex Daytona is a professional timepiece hosting various prominent features that appeal to the racers. The most significant one is the highly legible and large tachymeter scale that allows reading the average speed over a certain distance based on elapsed time.

The watch celebrates Rolex’s link to the motor racing world inextricably and endorses the various details in a balanced manner to strike visually. With the three sub-dial counters and pushers, the Daytona has the design of the ultimate timing tool. It’s an icon in function and performance andextremely reliable given it guarantees optimum accuracy at all times.

We have an extensive range of pre-owned, vintage, and rare Daytona models made of various exclusive materials like platinum, gold, stainless steel, and even two-tone models. All the watches have a fantastic appearance. Buy one of these timeless pieces at the best price from The Luxury Hut and cherish its value forever.

If you want to buy one, you can avail of our 0% APR finance over 6 months to make it hassle-free. The motive is not just to buy the best luxury watch at the best price but also to have the best buying experience, and we take great pride in assuring that throughout.

Story Of The Rolex Daytona Watch

Origin of the Daytona

Launched by Rolex in 1956 to aid the need of the racing drivers, Daytona is arguably more famous than Daytona city in Florida, where motor racing occurs. Since its 50 years of gracing the wrists of the rich and famous, the watch has attained legendary status for its prominent chronograph characteristics, including a sporty Oystersteel case (now available in gold/platinum), a fast-paced bracelet, a greatly legible dial with three sub-dials at 3/6/9 o’clock, and a hardy tachymeter bezel to read an average speed over a given distance.

However, the first official Daytona model was Ref. 6239, released in 1963 with the red lettering ‘Daytona in full on the dial.

Balance is in the Bezel

The Daytona’s bezel holds the most attention for its tachymeter scale, which presents unmatched measurement accuracy. The watch can measure land speeds of up to 400 miles/hour and is extremely legible, the credit for which goes to the thin, glossy layer of platinum on the numerals. The bezel is virtually scratch-proof and corrosion-resistant, and the colour remains unaffected by UV rays. Overall, the tachymetric bezel is the trademark of the dainty Daytona.

First Daytona

In 1955, Rolex launched a chronograph with Ref. 6234, which neither had ‘Cosmograph’ nor ‘Daytona’ written on the dial. Instead, it had the label ‘Chronograph’. Until its discontinuation in 1961, Rolex released about 500 of these watch pieces yearly. Today, these watches are referred to as ‘Pre-Daytonas’ and are highly desirable.

Rolex served the first official Daytona in 1963 with Ref. 6239 with two notable features that put it in a completely different dimension from the previous models. They are the tachymetric scale on the bezel and the inverse colours used for the sub-dials. The visual renovation lit up the watch’s overall appearance while adding a lot of hype to it.

The famous Paul Newman Daytona

Legendary actor and race car driver Paul Newman was a huge fan of the Rolex Daytona. In 1972 when Paul’s wife Joanne Woodward gifted him a rare version of the Cosmograph Daytona with an exotic dial, the race car driver started wearing it and continued wearing it until his death in 2008.

The actor has worn various Daytona models in his lifetime. Thanks to Newman wearing the Daytona on numerous occasions making the watch so sought-after!

Rolex ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona is amongst the most desirable and well-known models in the world, and the Ref. 6239 (the first Daytona) with an exotic white dial is the most famous. Other references with the nickname ‘Paul Newman’ are references 6263, 6241, 6264, 6265, and 6262.

Exotic Dial (1963-1987): Stepping apart from the regular Daytona dials, the Exotic dials featured a stepped minute track and an Art Deco style font.

Significant Daytona characteristics

Rolex Daytona watches have undergone gradual evolution. However, below the few specific traits you’ll find in almost all the Daytonas, they are:

• Tachymeter bezel
• Screw-down pushers
• Contrasting sub-dials
• Oyster bracelet

Vast varieties of Daytona

Material: Oystersteel, Gold (white, yellow, rose), Platinum
Size: 37mm, 40mm, and 41mm
Dial: Multiple options (Luminous/Diamond)
Bezel: Smooth, fluted, gem-set & textured
Bracelet: Oyster/ Oysteflex

Important Daytona milestones

1903: Racing in Florida started at the famous Daytona Beach, and eventually, Daytona became popular as the World Capital of speed.
1935: Famous British racer Malcolm Campbell was the first person to drive more than 300 miles/hour while wearing a Rolex Oyster.
1959: Opening of the Daytona International Speedway as it became the home of the most important race in NASCAR, the Daytona 500.
1962: Rolex became the official timekeeper of the Daytona International Speedway.
1963: Rolex released the first Daytona with Ref. 6239, featuring a tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel.
1965: The word ‘Daytona’ comes written on the dial. Additionally, Rolex launched the exotic dial in the same year, characterised by an Art Deco font and a distinct outer seconds track.
1967: Rolex moves the word ‘Daytona’ above 6 o’clock on the dial.
1988: Introduction of the second Daytona series with self-winding movements.
2000: Release of the third Daytona series with Rolex’s first in-house chronograph movement.
2011: Appearance of the first Daytona collection with Cerachrom (ceramic) bezel.
2013: Rolex celebrates the 50th anniversary of Daytona with the platinum Daytona Ref. 116506.
2016: Rolex releases a stainless steel Daytona with Ref. 116500LN featuring a black Cerachrom bezel.
2021: Reintroduction of the famous meteorite dials to the Rolex Daytona catalogue.

Most popular Daytona models

Rolex has produced several notable Daytona iterations throughout history that are highly sought-after, and collectors love wearing them. However, these are the key models that amplify the idea of bagging a Daytona.

Ref. 16520 – The Ref.16520 is the original stainless steel Daytona model that the collectors swear by for its classic essence. There’s a larger 40mm case, a steel bezel with engraved units/hour scale, and a glossy dial with applied metal hour markers.
Ref. 6263 – Running in production from 1971-1988, the Ref. 6263 is available in a wide range of dial and metal options. The watch is the ultimate collectors’ timepiece and comes in a 37mm case with Oyster/Jubilee/leather strap or bracelet options.
Ref. 116520 – A more recent pick is the Daytona Ref. 116520 with a 40mm case, steel bracelet, fixed tachymeter scale, and black or white dial with luminous hour markers. You can identify this watch from across the room for its architecture.
Ref. 116509 – Don’t mistake the premium white gold for steel in Ref. 116509 that looks all the more gorgeous against the Arabic numerals and black and red ‘racing’ sub-dials. The bezel showcases a 400-kilometre tachymeter scale and presents a punchy appeal.
Ref. 16523 – This reference exhibits a stunning gold font which looks alluring in contrast to the classic stainless steel. It features a sophisticated black dial with gold sub-dials, luminous markers, a gold 400-kilometre tachymeter bezel, and side pushers.

Buy the finest pre-owned Daytona watches

Buying a Rolex Daytona is not a regular purchase, and you would want to make the best deal. Here at The Luxury Hut, we’re passionate watch enthusiasts and would love to assist you on your journey to buy the best Daytona iteration. We’ll narrow down the best characteristics of each piece, whether a new release or vintage, to help you make the best purchase decision!

So, if you’re looking for a second-hand Rolex Daytona, look no further than The Luxury Hut. You can select a model from our extensive online luxury watch collection and pay securely via the available options. Alternatively, visit us at our store in Hatton Garden with a prior appointment and browse the watches in person.

Every Rolex Cosmograph Daytona you purchase online will include free next-day delivery in the UK via RoyalMail and free worldwide shipping via FedEx. Additionally, you will get a Certificate of Authenticity, a 12-month Comprehensive Guarantee and a 14-day Easy Return Policy with the watches.

Even if you’re unsure which watch to pick, our watch experts can help you choose the model that is perfect for you. We pride ourselves on our ability to help customers find the best pre-owned luxury watches at the best price. Whether a Daytona or a Submariner, all the second-hand watches are in excellent condition.

Buy, Sell or Part Exchange a Daytona watch

When buying a pre-owned Rolex Daytona, you must deal with a genuine and reputed watch seller, and at The Luxury Hut, we always tell our customers to take their time before making the final decision. We want to ensure a happy shopping experience and keep the process straightforward without messing with words. No matter which Rolex model you want to buy, our wide assortment of vintage, rare and special edition Rolex watches will surely meet all preferences.

Do you have an old Rolex? You can also part exchange your watch against any watch from our collection. We can even appraise your Daytona for you. Trust our 40 years of experience and expertise to buy, sell or part-exchange any luxury watch with us. We offer excellent rates for all the services, including 0% APR finance.

All you have to do is fill in our online form and provide as many details as possible, and we’ll get back to you immediately. You can also visit us at our Hatton Garden office by booking an appointment. We’ll love to assist you!