Ceramic Daytona

To understand what makes the ceramic Daytona (Ref. 116500LN) so special, you need to understand the Rolex Daytona.

Officially released in 1963, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona has become the blueprint for chronograph watches. The Daytona, as well as Rolex’s pre-Daytona chronographs (Ref. 6234 and Ref. 6238) were developed during a golden age of motor racing; they were inspired by and created for race car drivers and enthusiasts. In fact, the Rolex Daytona is named after the infamous Daytona International Speedway. The watch features a chronograph complication and tachymeter scale bezel. These two features allow measurement of speed based on a known distance – perfect for automotive racing. Over the decades, the Rolex Daytona has reached far beyond automotive circles. Its slim profile, simple-yet-comprehensive layout, and superlative quality have put the Daytona in a league of its own. Dress it up with a leather strap, dress it down with a rubber strap, or keep it on the bracelet – you can’t go wrong with this timeless silhouette. Simply put, the Rolex Daytona is an icon. It’s a no-brainer for those seeking a luxury chronograph.

In 2011, Rolex introduced the first ceramic-bezel Daytona (Ref. 116515). Unsurprisingly, it featured Rolex’s proprietary ‘Cerachrom’ material: a blend of aluminum and zirconium oxide powders. Cerachrom is incredibly resistant to scratches and nearly impervious to color fading from UV rays. This 2011 model was made of Rolex’s (also proprietary) ‘Everose’ gold: an 18k pink gold alloy. Two years later, on the 50th anniversary of the original Rolex Daytona, Rolex released another ceramic Daytona (Ref. 116506), this time in platinum. Before 2016, if you wanted a ceramic Daytona, you had to choose between two precious metals. While this can be seen as a champagne problem, enthusiasts longed for a ceramic Daytona in steel: lightweight, durable, and practical for everyday wear. 

In 2016, the infamous 116500LN was introduced at Baselworld. Finally – a steel Daytona with a ceramic bezel. For many, it’s the perfect watch: hard-wearing 904L steel, striking material contrast with the (also hard-wearing) Cerachrom bezel, and a dead accurate caliber 4130 on the inside. These materials further compliment an almost perfect timepiece. With a 40mm diameter, 46.5mm lug-to-lug, and 12.5mm thickness, the Daytona is the pinnacle of elegance when it comes to self-winding chronographs. For these reasons, the Rolex Daytona, and particularly the 116500LN, has become one of the most desirable watches on Earth. People wait years for a chance to buy one from authorized dealers; others pay above-retail premiums to get their hands on a used example. Very few watches do it all – historical significance, iconic design language, and superlative form and function. The Rolex Ceramic Daytona (Ref. 116500LN) checks all of these boxes and then some. Its 904L steel, Cerachrom, and sapphire construction make it not just a watch, but an heirloom. These materials will last multiple lifetimes, as will the movement if well-serviced. 

A thoughtfully-designed watch deserves a thoughtfully-designed strap. Luckily, Everest offers curved-end rubber, leather, and nylon straps for the Rolex Ceramic Daytona (Ref. 116500LN). Everest’s straps are tailor-fit to each reference: seamlessly hugging the case and lugs. If you want a sportier feel for your ceramic Daytona, try putting it on a rubber or nylon strap. These materials have a lightweight feel without sacrificing durability. If you want to dress up your ceramic Daytona, check out our leather options – tan, black, brown, alligator – the list goes on. We also offer curved-end perforated racing leather straps: the perfect way to embrace your Daytona’s racing heritage. If you want a new strap but love your Daytona bracelet’s deployant clasp, don’t worry! Everest’s deployant straps are designed to fit Rolex deployant clasps: maintaining any Easylink or diver extension functionality it may have.