Product Description
This Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116515 is as gorgeous and conservative in appearance as the Arabic numeral version of the same watch is eccentric and bold, and they caught everyone by surprise at the 2011 Baselworld Fair. These are the first Daytonas to sport Rolex's patented Cerachrom ceramic bezels and each is a head turner in its own way. Both are 18 carat Everose - Rolex's patented pink gold alloy - 40mm Daytonas but what makes these so marvelous is the dial to bezel contrast. The compliment of glossy black, Everose tachymeter numerals and the matte-ish ivory dial on this 116515 is perfect. You can see that it's restrained but with sub dials enhanced with Everose, glossy black text at the 12 and the ever present "Daytona" in red at the 6 this 116515 is bridling with pent up style. The 116515s came on factory correct alligator straps, which set them further afield from earlier Daytonas - change was in the air. This is a chic timepiece with serious technology. Like all modern Daytonas this 116515 is outfitted with the august caliber 4130 - an in-house, automatic, chronometer-rated, column-wheel chronograph movement - and Rolex's patented screw-down, Triplock crown making it as technically sound as it is aesthetically beautiful. The hands are Everose and filled with Chromalight lume as are the baton hour markers. The Everose seconds hand has been trimmed glossy black and is tipped with a small arrowhead reminiscent of every Daytona before it. The black bezel automatically puts this 116515 into vintage-inspired territory as does a small design element that's common to all Daytona Cosmographs: sub dials that in some way contrast the dial. In this case the Everose numeral track is "snailed" with engraved concentric circles and both the inside and outside edges are defined by Everose gold rings. In 1963 when the Cosmograph was brand new this might have seemed an odd design flourish but it was more utilitarian than fashionable. The Cosmograph was purposely designed for professional racing drivers to wear on-track to calculate speed and time laps during a race so at a glance contrasting dials were easier to read. Originally known only as the Cosmograph, the "Daytona" moniker found it's way to the dial in 1964 during the third year of Rolex's sponsorship of what is now known as the Rolex 24 At Daytona endurance race. If ever there was a sartorially-minded tool watch the Daytona is it. The 116515s are such individual pieces they should be appreciated as the start of what we consider today's modern Daytonas. True nonchalance is putting on a luxury watch every day and going about your business never thinking twice about whether it's keeping good time or whether it's appropriate with your manner of dress - it's just part of you, it's your constant companion. The 116515 was forward thinking when new and it favors someone with the same sensibilities. A Rolex is always a good idea.
