Ever since it was first launched in 1963, the Rolex Daytona has had an abundance of incredible variants join its ranks. From vintage diamond-studded yellow gold variants to modern stainless steel variants with ceramic bezels, the collection has seen it all. Perhaps one of the most luxurious of all of those is the ref. 116509 that we have here. Debuting in the year 2000 alongside the birth of the current third generation of Daytona, the ref. 116509 features the Daytona’s latest movement, the automatic cal. 4130. However, since its discontinuation, it has remained as one of the most simultaneously luxurious and understated Daytona variants around. Sporting an entirely 18kt white gold construction, the ref. 116509 is a hefty timepiece indeed, but with the added weight of its meteorite space-rock dial, it is a watch whose aesthetic is entirely monochromatic, and its luxurious heft almost entirely unrivaled. Featuring rather classical Roman numeral hour markers and red hands alongside the subtle acid-etched veining that appears in meteorite, the ref. 116509’s appearance is simply out of this world. Combined with the fact that its internals are as modern as they come in a Daytona and its construction made of the finest materials, the ref. 116509 is seriously deserving of its position as one of the best and most luxurious neo-vintage Daytona variants on the market.

Watch is in overall very good condition. Bezel retains the black enameling and has sharp edges. Minor wear visible on the polished areas of the watch as well as on the bottom of the lugs. The dial shows some minor oxidation along the edge in some places- a natural occurrence because of the iron content in the meteorite. Bracelet has 12 links total and exhibits minimal stretch.

An incredibly luxurious, rare, and beautiful variant of the illustrious Daytona, the ref. 116509's meteorite dial combines with its 18kt white gold case and bracelet to create a monochromatic marriage of unadulterated style and exuberance.