The Rolex Daytona: Colourful Chronographs from the Sotheby's Archive

F or many enthusiats and collectors the iconic Rolex Daytona is generally associated with instantly recognizable black or white dials ("Panda"), paired with a metal bracelet or leather strap. However over the decades Rolex has produced a range of bolder and brighter examples, experimenting with striking dial and strap colours. In this guide we select five stand-out examples that were valued by collectors for those wanting a more playful take on this iconic luxury sports watch.

Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Beach Reference 116519, Circa 2006, 660,000 HKD

This Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Beach Reference 116519 was sold in October 2024 for 660,000 HKD during the Important Watches I sale in Hong Kong.

Perhaps the most striking Rolex Daytona Beach featured here, this model was produced in 2006. Featuring a sky-blue turquoise dial coupled with an 18k white gold case and a matching blue lizard strap. The Roman numeral hour markers and rectangular quarterly hour markers, filled with black lacquer, provided a sharp contrast against the bright turquoise to create a harmonious yet bold design. Accompanied by its original Rolex Guarantee, blue leather holder, and blue presentation box, this watch had been preserved in excellent condition. The combination of the turquoise dial and the white gold case made this example a vibrant Rolex Daytona example, attracting strong collector interest.

Rolex Daytona Reference 16519, Circa 1997, 27,940 USD

Rolex watch — Rolex Daytona Reference 16519, Circa 1997

This Rolex Daytona Reference 16519 was sold in September 2023 for 27,940 USD.

Originally produced in 1997, this Rolex Daytona watch was a superlative example of the brand’s use of precious materials coupled with bolder strap colours to make a design really pop. The 18k white gold case encased a delicate pink mother-of-pearl dial, a feature that provided a unique softness to the watch. This watch was powered by the Caliber 4030 automatic movement, a nod to the Zenith-based movements Rolex used in its chronographs before developing in-house calibers.

The combination of pink tones and white gold created a striking yet harmonious look. With mother-of-pearl dials proving rare, particularly in a pink hue, this watch saw strong interest among Rolex Daytona collectors.

**Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Beach Reference 116519, Circa 2000, 384,000 HKD**

This Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Beach Reference 116519 was sold for 384,000 HKD in October 2024 as part of Sotheby’s Important Watches auction.

Featuring a yellow mother-of-pearl dial, this watch injected a burst of vibrant color into the traditionally monochromatic Rolex Daytona palette. Crafted in 18k white gold and paired with a yellow lizard strap, the aesthetics of this Rolex Daytona truly evoked notions of the beach. The white gold Roman numeral hour markers provided a crisp contrast to the yellow hue, making the watch both playful and elegant. The watch retained its original presentation box and warranty, further enhancing its desirability for collectors.

Rolex Daytona Beach Reference 116519, Circa 2002, 63,500 CHF

This Rolex Daytona Beach Reference 116519 sold for 63,500 CHF in May 2023 as part of Sotheby’s 2022 Important Watches II auction in Geneva.

Another striking example of the Rolex Daytona Beach model, this watch was distinguished by its rare and stunning green chalcedony dial. The 18k white gold case framed the smooth, translucent stone, adding an earthy yet luxurious tone to the Rolex Daytona watch’s iconic design. With its 40 mm lizard strap, this offered collectors a rarer version of the Beach Rolex Daytona series.

Rolex Daytona Zenith Reference 16519, Circa 2000, 48,260 CHF

This Rolex Daytona Zenith Reference 16519 was sold in Geneva for 48,260 CHF during the May 2024 Important Watches II sale.

This Rolex Daytona Zenith was a rare and refined example from the final production run of Zenith-powered Rolex Daytona models, before Rolex introduced its in-house movements. Produced circa 2000, this watch featured a pink mother-of-pearl dial, paired elegantly with diamond indexes. The fragility and difficulty in producing mother-of-pearl dials made this piece particularly valuable, as Rolex reserved such delicate materials for its most luxurious creations.

The P-serial number confirmed that this Rolex Daytona was among the last produced with the Zenith Caliber 4030, marking the end of an era for the brand. The watch’s 18k white gold case added further exclusivity, making it a coveted item among Rolex Daytona collectors.

While maintaining its original function as a motorsport chronograph, the Rolex Daytona has provided Rolex with a canvas for colorful experimentation. The selection of bold straps, colorful dials and precious metals across these five examples shows how the Rolex Daytona can be the perfect watch for those wanting a playful take on an iconic Rolex model.

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