The Rolex Daytona has long been one of Rolex’s most popular watches since its original debut in 1963, and for very good reason. Famously robust, powered by fantastic movements and featuring a timeless design, it has stood as one of the industry’s most iconic offerings. However, when the Daytona ref. 116508 was launched in 2016 as the very first Daytona to ever feature a green dial it was met with a rather subdued response. Made of 18kt yellow gold and powered by the Daytona’s third generation automatic movement, the cal. 4130, it was as technically impressive as one would expect, and terrifically luxurious, but it wasn’t terribly popular straight out of the gate. However, that all changed when famous musician and known watch enthusiast John Mayer brought his personal example onto his second appearance of HODINKEE’s video series ‘Talking Watches’ in early 2019. Following John’s public adoration for the ref. 116508 it quickly began to sell out from Rolex AD’s and due to its low production numbers built up a rather long waiting list. Off the back of this rather sudden explosion of popularity and association to one of the watch community’s most famous names, the ref. 116508 earned the “John Mayer” nickname, much like how exotic dial four digit Daytona models have also become known as “Paul Newman” Daytonas. Intensely popular, beautifully luxurious and combining green and gold in one wonderful package, the ref. 116508 certainly deserves its plaudits.

Watch is in excellent condition, showing some surface wear. Edges and bezel are sharp and crisp, but there are some minor scratches and marks on the surface as shown in the images. The bracelet has 10 full links and 3 half links, 4 of which are removable.

A beautiful watch with an already-legendary wrist presence, the John Mayer has come leaps and bounds in the six years since its launch to go from relatively unknown to becoming one of Rolex's most desirable watches.