Introduction
Released in 2000 as a brand new generation of Daytona, the ref. 1165XX featured much of the same unchanged design that the previous “Zenith” Daytona had, except for several relatively minor details. To begin with, the dial layout had changed slightly, so the running seconds subdial went from 9 o'clock to 6' clock, and the subdials were no longer in line with the center of the dial. Instead, they moved up slightly above the middle of the dial (running from 9 to 3 o'clock). Additionally, Rolex gave the new Daytona broader indices to accommodate more lume, longer lugs, and a mirror finish on the case flanks to differentiate the latest generation even further. But, without doubt, the latest generation’s most significant upgrade was Rolex’s new (at the time) in-house automatic cal. 4130 chronograph movement. Designed to be ruthlessly efficient, it has just 201 parts - a 20% decrease on the previous movement, the cal. 4030, making for an even more reliable movement requiring even less servicing. Additionally, with more space free to accommodate a larger mainspring, Rolex increased the cal. 4030's power reserve from 50 to 72 hours in the cal. 4130. All in all, even for a 20+ year old movement, the cal. 4130 is incredible even by today’s standards and fitting for the Daytona’s legendary legacy. This example is a P serial, making it one of the very first examples of the 4130 caliber Rolexes. Offered here we have the ref. 116518, an 18kt yellow gold variant of the Daytona with a gorgeous blue dial. Presented on a leather strap with an 18kt yellow gold Rolex deployant buckle, this variant takes the Daytona’s sporty aesthetic and refines it so as to create a new identity for the Daytona that makes it more classical in its execution.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Later Rolex Box and Booklet
Est. value range
$20,000 – $25,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Daytona
Movement
Automatic cal. 4130
Reference
116518
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 2007
Condition
Very good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch, later Rolex Box and Booklet
Dial Color
Blue
THE DIAL
Featuring a blue racing dial, this Daytona swaps its usual stick indices for applied luminescent Arabic numerals.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Made of 18kt yellow gold and offered on a leather strap, this ref 116518 variant adds a dressier elegance to the Daytona's design than we typically see when it is paired with its typical Oyster bracelet.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
The watch is overall in very good condition. The yellow gold case has some scratches and light nicks, with a clean case back showing light signs of wear. The hallmarks are generally well defined, though there is some wear to the Rolex coronet hallmark. The bezel has some nicks around the edges and some of the enamel has worn away in the tachymeter scale. The blue dial and hands are in excellent condition. The watch is fitted with a brown Rolex alligator strap and a yellow gold deployant clasp in very good condition. It is accompanied by a period correct Daytona booklet and a later Rolex box.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
A stunning combination of the Daytona's iconic design, a dressier aesthetic thanks to its leather strap, and a unique twist thanks to its blue racing dial, this Daytona is not a variant you would see everyday.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
