From SwissWatchExpo…
Spotlight on: Rolex Daytona’s Ceramic bezel models, and their evolution.
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is one of the few watches that can truly be called an icon.
Launched in 1963, the Daytona’s evolution has been gradual and subtle,
which contributed greatly to its enduring appeal.
While early versions of the Daytona saw little demand,
its major redesign in the 1980s, and its connection to Paul Newman, changed its
course. Today, Rolex Daytona watches, vintage and modern, are the most sacred watch to collectors.
The latest generation of the Daytona – specifically, the stainless steel ceramic
version – have been notoriously difficult to obtain. The highly anticipated watch made its
debut in 2016, and until today, is still one of the most popular sports watches around.
We’ll take a closer look at the alluring ceramic Daytona,
and trace back the history of ceramic bezel Daytona watches.
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While the stainless steel model is undoubtedly the most popular ceramic Daytona, it was not the
first to be equipped with the Cerachrom bezel. That honor goes to the 2011 Everose Daytona.
It was not just the first Daytona in Cerachrom,
but also the first to have a single piece of ceramic holding the crystal in place.
This ensures waterproofness, an alternative to the more commonly used Cerachrom insert.
This version was released in Baselworld 2011, with a cream dial version and a chocolate dial version.
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2013 was the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Daytona; and the expectations were quite high.
To everyone’s surprise and delight, they launched a unique and ultra-luxurious platinum edition.
Most predictions anticipated a modern version
of the first Daytona — the rugged looking stainless steel 6-2-6-3,
but with a Cerachrom bezel. Instead, Rolex released the very first Daytona made in platinum.
The Platinum Rolex Daytona is as luxurious as they come. The case is made entirely of 950 platinum,
paired with a chestnut brown Cerachrom bezel.
Lacquered brown sub-dials sit perfectly on the beautiful ice-blue dial.
While it defied all expectations for a milestone Daytona, what Rolex actually
did was create a unique collector’s piece. One that true Rolex Daytona fans will simply love.
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Four years ago in 2016, the highly anticipated stainless steel,
ceramic bezel Daytona finally appeared,
much to the delight of watch fans. Today, it’s still one of the hottest watches in the world.
What makes it so desirable, is that it connects almost six decades of the Rolex Daytona in one
watch. Many of its traits are visual references to iconic Rolex Daytonas of the past,
combined with advancements of modern Daytonas.
The black bezel, screw down pushers, and red Daytona logo were directly
inspired by historic Big Red Daytona models like the 6-2-6-3 and 6-2-6-5.
Meanwhile, the black Cerachrom bezel gives it a sharp look,
while the PVD treatment for the numerals give off a beautiful luster. The watch comes in two
versions — a white dial, and a black dial, both with perfectly contrasting bezels and subdials.
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While ceramic bezel Rolex Daytonas have been difficult to come by,
they are available at SwissWatchExpo. They do sell
quickly, so don’t wait for your chance to admire these beauties on your wrist.
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