Daytona Ref. 116509 "Racer"

The Daytona, in white gold.

The reference 116509 takes the familiar six-digit Daytona and gives it considerably more presence. Introduced in 2000 alongside its steel counterpart, it shares the same case architecture as the everyday steel model–but here, it’s rendered in 18k white gold construction, with the weight to match.

It was among the first Daytonas to house Rolex’s in-house caliber 4130, a column-wheel automatic chronograph movement introduced to replace the outsourced Zenith-based caliber. The new movement allowed Rolex to significantly reduce its component count while improving shock resistance and power reserve, establishing the foundation for the modern Daytona.

Then there’s the dial. An iridescent silver sunburst “Racing Dial” sets the stage for black subdial rings and radial Arabic numerals, punctuated by red “Daytona” script, red chronograph hands, and red subdial numerals.

Finished on a white rubber Oysterflex strap, the 116509 delivers the prized combination collectors know and love in steel—with a very different wrist feel.