What will Rolex launch at BaselWorld 2014? A new Daytona that will underline a new beginning, of next 50 years for the most loved cosmograph from the watch brand? Will Rolex revive steel, gold models for Daytona lovers or will we see more Platinum cases decorate the famed watch series, in 2014? Later, seems unlikely.
Rolex surprised everyone at BaselWorld 2013 by launching a full Platinum watch (Rolex 116506) to mark golden years of Daytona, a series admired for steel watches. For those who swore by steel Daytonas, the 950 Platinum model was a disappointment. Rolex made a brave decision to use Platinum, a metal never used before on a Daytona.
I got an opportunity to spend some quality time with Rolex 116506, Platinum Daytona crafted to commemorate 50 years of Daytona series. My first impression was set by its weight. It is the heaviest Daytona I have ever held. When I wrapped it around my wrist, I realised it is also, by far, the most handsome Daytona!
Platinum matched with ice blue dial and dark brown sub dials, is a classic combination. Rolex Platinum Daytona makes a bold statement, without being loud.
New style, 3-piece solid links Rolex Oyster bracelet, compliments the blue dial. Chestnut brown monobloc Cerachrom ceramic bezel is engraved with numerals and graduations to form a tachymeter. Chestnut brown colour, balances soft tones of blue dial and Platinum case. Chapter rings of sub dials are lacquered in same tone as the Cerachrom bezel.
Few blog posts on rolex 116506 have deemed Platinum model to be an unseemly investment. Reason 1) there are more takers for vintage Rolex Steel Daytona watches. 2) Platinum watches from Rolex, in other models, have not done too well. Ironic to that notion, a few months after launch, when Christie’s auctioned Platinum 116506, it commanded a massive $216,956. When launched, Platinum Rolex Daytona 116506 was priced at $75,000.
Rolex 116506 is undoubtedly a rare Rolex to flaunt and be a collectors delight. It is made in a metal never used before by Rolex, on a Daytona. Hope Rolex will bring more Platinum combination watches in Daytona series in its next half century, beginning at BaselWorld 2014.
Specifications: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Platinum Daytona 116506
DIAMETER: 40 mm
OYSTER ARCHITECTURE: Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown
WINDING CROWN: The Triplock winding crown is a patented triple waterproofness system designed especially for divers’ watches. Developed by Rolex, it resists water pressure to depths of 300 metres
CRYSTAL: Scratch-resistant sapphire.
MOVEMENT: Perpetual, mechanical chronograph, self-winding
CALIBRE4130, Manufacture Rolex: The timepiece is powered by caliber 4130, the latest descendant of a series of innovative automatic chronographic movements.
FUNCTIONS: Centre hour, minute and seconds hands, small seconds hand at 6 o’clock. Chronograph (centre hand) accurate to within 1/8 of a second, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock. Stop seconds for precise time setting
Platinum Daytona Price: $75,000, £50,000, Rupees 44,69,300
*Images: Shilpa Dhamija, LuxuryVolt
