Rolex Daytona, a name synonymous with precision, luxury, and racing heritage, has captivated watch enthusiasts and collectors since its debut in 1963. This comprehensive guide delves into the myriad of references that have shaped the legacy of the Rolex Daytona, highlighting their reference points and technical evolutions. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious novice, this detailed account will enhance your appreciation of these iconic timepieces.
Early Daytona References (Pre-1988) – Manual Wind Models
Rolex Daytona 6239 (1963-1969)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 37mm
- Bezel: Steel with engraved tachymeter scale
- Dial: Black or white with contrasting sub-dials
- Pushers: Pump pushers
- Movement: Valjoux 72
The 6239 is the original Daytona, featuring a steel bezel with an engraved tachymeter. This reference is notable for its clean, classic design and is available in stainless steel, yellow gold, and white gold. The contrasting sub-dials and pump pushers are key visual identifiers.
Rolex Daytona 6241 (1965-1969)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 37mm
- Bezel: Black acrylic with tachymeter scale
- Dial: Similar to 6239, but with a more distinctive bezel
The 6241 introduces a black acrylic bezel, providing a sharper contrast to the dial. This reference maintains the pump pushers and is visually similar to the 6239 apart from the bezel material.
Rolex Daytona 6262 (1970-1972)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 37mm
- Bezel: Steel with engraved tachymeter scale
- Dial: Black or white with contrasting sub-dials
- Pushers: Pump pushers
- Movement: Valjoux 727
The 6262 is an upgrade to the 6239, featuring the Valjoux 727 movement, which operates at a higher frequency for improved accuracy. The overall design remains similar, with a steel bezel and pump pushers.
Rolex Daytona 6264 (1970-1972)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 37mm
- Bezel: Black acrylic with tachymeter scale
- Dial: Similar to 6262, but with a more distinctive bezel
- Pushers: Pump pushers
- Movement: Valjoux 727
The 6264 mirrors the 6241 with its black acrylic bezel but incorporates the upgraded Valjoux 727 movement, offering better timekeeping precision.
Rolex Daytona 6263 (1969-1987)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 37mm
- Bezel: Black acrylic with tachymeter scale
- Dial: Black or white with contrasting sub-dials
- Pushers: Screw-down pushers
- Movement: Valjoux 727
The 6263 is notable for introducing screw-down pushers, enhancing water resistance. The black acrylic bezel and contrasting sub-dials maintain the classic Daytona look.
Rolex Daytona 6265 (1969-1987)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 37mm
- Bezel: Steel with engraved tachymeter scale
- Dial: Black or white with contrasting sub-dials
- Pushers: Screw-down pushers
- Movement: Valjoux 727
The 6265 is similar to the 6263 but features a steel bezel. The addition of screw-down pushers marks a significant improvement in the Daytona’s functionality.
Rolex Daytona 6240 (1965-1969)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 37mm
- Bezel: Black acrylic with tachymeter scale
- Dial: Black or white with contrasting sub-dials
- Pushers: Screw-down pushers
- Movement: Valjoux 722
The 6240 is a transitional model, the first Daytona to feature screw-down pushers, setting the stage for later waterproof versions. It is a rare and highly sought-after reference among collectors.
Zenith Daytona References (1988-2000) – Automatic Movement
Rolex Daytona 16520 (1988-2000)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Bezel: Steel with engraved tachymeter scale
- Dial: Black or white with contrasting sub-dials
- Pushers: Screw-down pushers
- Movement: Zenith El Primero-based Caliber 4030
The 16520 marks the introduction of the automatic movement in the Daytona line, utilizing the Zenith El Primero-based Caliber 4030. The case size increases to 40mm, and the design includes a steel bezel and screw-down pushers.
Rolex Daytona 16523 (1988-2000)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Bezel: Steel with yellow gold, engraved tachymeter scale
- Dial: Black, white, or champagne with contrasting sub-dials
- Pushers: Screw-down pushers
- Movement: Zenith El Primero-based Caliber 4030
The 16523 is a two-tone model, combining stainless steel and yellow gold. It features the same automatic movement and design enhancements as the 16520.
Rolex Daytona 16518 (1988-2000)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Bezel: Yellow gold with engraved tachymeter scale
- Dial: Black, white, or champagne with contrasting sub-dials
- Pushers: Screw-down pushers
- Movement: Zenith El Primero-based Caliber 4030
The 16518 is a yellow gold model offered with a leather strap, catering to those who prefer a more luxurious appearance.
Rolex Daytona 16519 (1988-2000)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Bezel: White gold with engraved tachymeter scale
- Dial: Black, white, or champagne with contrasting sub-dials
- Pushers: Screw-down pushers
- Movement: Zenith El Primero-based Caliber 4030
The 16519 is a white gold variant, also paired with a leather strap. This reference combines the technical upgrades of the Zenith movement with a more elegant aesthetic.
Rolex Daytona 16528 (1988-2000)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Bezel: Yellow gold with engraved tachymeter scale
- Dial: Black, white, or champagne with contrasting sub-dials
- Pushers: Screw-down pushers
- Movement: Zenith El Primero-based Caliber 4030
The 16528 is a full yellow gold model, featuring the same technical specifications as the 16518 and 16519 but with a gold bracelet, offering a fully opulent look.
Modern Daytona References (Post-2000) – Rolex In-House Movement
Rolex Daytona 116520 (2000-2016)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Bezel: Steel with engraved tachymeter scale
- Dial: Black or white with contrasting sub-dials
- Pushers: Screw-down pushers
- Movement: Rolex in-house Caliber 4130
The 116520 introduces the Rolex in-house Caliber 4130 movement, known for its reliability and precision. This reference retains the 40mm case size and is available with a steel bezel.
Rolex Daytona 116523 (2000-2016)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Bezel: Steel with yellow gold, engraved tachymeter scale
- Dial: Black, white, or champagne with contrasting sub-dials
- Pushers: Screw-down pushers
- Movement: Rolex in-house Caliber 4130
The 116523 is a two-tone model that blends stainless steel with yellow gold. It shares the in-house movement and design features of the 116520.
Rolex Daytona 116528 (2000-2016)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Bezel: Yellow gold with engraved tachymeter scale
- Dial: Black, white, or champagne with contrasting sub-dials
- Pushers: Screw-down pushers
- Movement: Rolex in-house Caliber 4130
The 116528 is an all-yellow gold model, providing a luxurious option with the robust Caliber 4130 movement.
Rolex Daytona 116518 (2000-2016)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Bezel: Yellow gold with engraved tachymeter scale
- Dial: Black, white, or champagne with contrasting sub-dials
- Pushers: Screw-down pushers
- Movement: Rolex in-house Caliber 4130
The 116518, a yellow gold model with a leather strap, combines elegance with the high performance of the Caliber 4130.
Rolex Daytona 116519 (2000-2016)
Reference Points:
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Bezel: White gold with engraved tachymeter scale
- Dial: Black, white, or champagne with contrasting sub-dials
