Introducing the new Rolex Daytonas including the Platinum Daytona with Display Caseback
We were expecting a lot from Rolex given that 2023 marked the 60-year anniversary of the Daytona collection. And we got a lot… and a little… all at the same time. This might seem contradictory but let me explain. While Rolex’s new Daytona models don’t look very different from their predecessors, there is one big change. A whole new movement, the Calibre 4130. On top of that, for their platinum Daytona model, Rolex opted to showcase this brand spanking new movement with a display caseback, the first time Rolex has ever included such a caseback on a sports model.
THE BASICS:
Brand : Rolex
Model : Daytona
Case Material : Steel, Gold, Platinum
Case Size : 40mm
Water Resistance : 100m
Movement : Calibre 4130
Movement Specs: Automatic, Chronograph, 72-Hour Power Reserve
Strap Options : Metal Bracelet, Oysterflex Rubber Strap
The Juice:
So as we said, Rolex made some major changes to the Daytona without making any major visual changes. The new Caliber 4130 movement manages to create a chronograph function with a reduced number of components, which in term enhances the movement’s reliability. The movement also incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with dependability. Because it is made of nickel-phosphorus, the escapement has resistance to magnetic fields.
As we said, the aesthetic changes to the Daytona were very minor. This release is all about the “guts” of the watch. But the one big change to the aesthetics of the Daytona happens to be on the “ice blue” Platinum Daytona, or “Platona” as collectors refer to it. And this change, isn’t even visible on the wrist. Rolex opted to showcase their brand new 4131 movement with a display caseback.
Rolex is known for the reliability and construction of their watches. The brand isn’t necessarily known for their beautifully decorated movements. And that’s okay. But the brand clearly took it up a notch with the 4130 movement finishings on the platinum Daytona. This is actually a pretty major change from a brand that notoriously doesn’t change.
So we will have to wait at least another year for major changes to the design of the Daytona. Rolex used the 60th anniversary of the release of the Daytona (in 1963) to overhaul the internals of the watch. Leave it to Rolex to update one of their most popular lines in a way nobody expected.
How Much are the New Rolex Daytonas?
The new Rolex Daytona Ref. 126500 in stainless steel retails for $15,100 USD while the platinum Daytona’s price is available on discuss. You can learn more about the new Daytonas, including pricing of the two-tone and gold models at Rolex.com.
