Baselworld 2017 has shown us some very amazing watches, some which were the biggest talking points of the fair, such as the Daytona in either 18ct yellow, rose or white gold was one of them. Clearly standing out thanks to their true panda dials, these three new watches quickly caught everyone’s eye. Even though I prefer steel, I cannot withstand the charm of the three models. 

Thanks to a family member, who picked up the white gold version a few days ago, you are getting an in depth look at this stunning piece.

Let me start with the most prominent part of the watch – the panda dial. While last year’s stainless steel Daytona nearly fulfilled collectors wettest dreams. Thanks to the addition of the black ceramic bezel and black rings for the chronograph subdials as seen below.

However, the steel Daytona does not have a true panda dial, similar to the Paul Newman Daytona. So it therefore might not be perfect for every collector. With the introduction of the new 18ct gold models, Rolex decided to bring the black cerachrom bezel. This has been exclusively available for the everose gold Daytona for a few years, to the white and yellow gold model as well.

Additionally, the panda dial was introduced to the everose gold Daytona to make it look more in line with the other two. As mentioned, the panda dial especially on a Daytona is very coveted by collectors. With this years novelty Rolex ticked all the boxes.

To make it stand out from the steel model, the brand didn’t use a white dial, but a steel dial with a sun-ray finish. This causes the watch to look very luxurious at close inspection. Thanks to the all black chronograph sub dials with white printing on them, this Rolex Oyster Perpetual Daytona is by far the most legible of the whole line up.

Rolex Oyster Perpectual Daytona Oysterflex and Oysterlock

In the past Rolex offered their solid gold Daytonas with either a leather or 18ct metal bracelet, but disregarded the leather strap for the amazing Oysterflex bracelet. This bracelet is not only super comfortable, but also more fitting for a luxury sportswatch.

Highly resistant

Now some of you might think it is exaggerated to call a “rubber strap” a bracelet. Rolex being Rolex this is not your ordinary rubber strap. In fact the core of the bracelet is a superelastic metal blade that molded into the black elastomer. The metal blade ensures that the rubber doesn’t become wobbly over time. The elastomer is highly resistant against environmental influences.

Easylink

At 40mm the Daytona is sized like most Rolex watches, making it easily wearable for people with larger and smaller wrists alike. The white gold Oysterlock safety clasp ensures the watch stays on your wrist at all times. The patented Easylink extension allows you to adjust it by 5mm to retain comfort. Even when your wrist is larger during summer.

Like all Rolex watches, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Daytona is equipped with a solid white gold caseback, featuring the usual finish. As with all Rolex Oyster watches the Daytona is water resistant to 100m. This is ensured by the patented triplock crown and screw down chronograph pushers. You see, the watch won’t be afraid to be taken on a dive in the ocean.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Daytona with Calibre 4130 automatic movement

Since the year 2000, Rolex equips the Daytona with their famous in-house designed and built calibre 4130. This calibre offers a 72 hours power reserve and is regulated to run at +2/-2 seconds a day. Like all new Rolex watches, the new Daytona comes with a 5 year international warranty, underlining Rolex’ trust in their products. 

Priced at 26.150€ it surely isn’t a cheap watch, but actually one the most ‘affordable’ solid gold chronographs with an in-house movement.