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 old school decadence of pink everything set off by baguette diamond hour markers. This is the watch Frank Sinatra would buy. The main dial, sub dials and all of the hands, including the arrow-tipped chronograph counter, are Everose, which is warm and simply gorgeous in the sunlight. Balance is restored via the coolness of the white gold crown and a matching black minute track and text at 12, which combine to provide some contrast. This 116505 is so decadent that it only hints at a design tenet that has been common to every Cosmograph since its debut in 1963: sub dials that in some way contrast the main dial to enhance readability. Given the Cosmograph's history as a purposely designed tool watch for professional race car drivers, this example is fantastically independent - even the sub dial numeral tracks are "snailed" Everose, which means the only hints of conformity are the black numerals and hashmarks. A single pop of color anywhere on the dial comes in the red "Daytona" at 6, which is a name that in some way has accompanied every Cosmograph since 1964 to promote Rolex's sponsorship of the annual endurance race in Daytona Beach, FL (today's Rolex 24 At Daytona). Of course this watch isn't just a la mode, it houses Rolex's superb caliber 4130 - an in-house, automatic, chronometer-rated, column-wheel chronograph movement - and Rolex's patented screw-down, Triplock crown, which means it's as mechanically advanced as it is visually arresting. The Chairman of the Board would be pleased. There isn't another manufacturer anywhere doing pink on pink 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.
