Product Description
There's no question that the big Rolex news out of the 2008 Baselworld Fair was the debut of the Rolex Deep Sea Sea Dweller (DSSD) but sotto voce (under the voice) Rolex also presented a new Cosmograph Daytona reference, the 116505s - and they're grand. Rendered in solid 18 carat Everose gold - Rolex's patented rose gold alloy - the highlight of this 116505 has to be the reverse panda-esque dial. Think of an actual panda's face, white with black eyes and nose, and then reverse it. It's a distinctly readable look, which is why panda dialed chronographs are so functional and in such demand, what's not to love about a panda? The sub dials are the stars here with absolutely Everose everything - the "snailed" centers, hashmarks, numerals, hands and outer ring - and all of that matches an ocean of Everose everywhere else. The crown, the lettering at 12, the minute track, the Chromalight lume filled baton hour markers, the hour, minute and arrow-tipped chronograph hands, even the "SWISS MADE" at 6 - all Everose. And all fabulous, and all matchy and contrasty to the Everose bezel, which sports the new center aligned tachymeter scale in black. So you have the old school panda look, the new bezel aesthetic, Rolex's newest technology in the way of the superb caliber 4130 - an in-house, automatic, chronometer-rated, column-wheel chronograph movement - Rolex's patented screw-down, Triplock crown, and a bit of history. The only pop of color is the red "Daytona" at 6, which is a name that has accompanied every Cosmograph since 1964. Originally debuting the year before, it was specifically designed as a tool watch for professional race car drivers and contrasty dials have been a tenet of the design since day one. With all of this going for it this 116505 is as mechanically advanced as it is visually arresting, there isn't another manufacturer anywhere doing black and gilt (gold) like this. It's fashionable today and it says "Daytona" on the dial so it'll be fashionable fifty years from now too. A Rolex is always a good idea and this 116505 is proof-positive that the Daytona continues to define contemporary luxury. It is always relevant.
