Daytona Ref. 116599RU "Ruby Cardinal"

A Daytona at its most extravagant.

The reference 116599RU pairs an 18k white gold case finished with a factory-set diamond baguette bezel, cabochon-cut rubies, and a dial of pavé-set diamonds.

Both an iconic chronograph and a jewelry statement, the 116599RU belongs to the six-digit Daytona generation introduced in 2000. It was the first generation to house Rolex's in-house caliber 4130—a column-wheel automatic chronograph movement developed to replace the outsourced, Zenith-based caliber that had powered the Daytona since 1988. Freed from reliance on an external manufacturer, Rolex used the new movement's architecture to expand the Daytona's precious-metal offerings, culminating in fully gem-set executions like this one, which has a number of equally extravagant and creative siblings.

Here, baguette diamonds frame the pavé diamond dial, punctuated by rubies at the cardinal points—an unusual and comparatively rare accent-stone choice within the fancy-dial Daytona family, where sapphires are more commonly produced and seen on the market. The watch is presented on a burgundy strap with an 18k white gold deployant clasp.

Factory gem-set Daytonas are produced in extremely limited numbers relative to their steel and standard precious-metal counterparts–and this one pushes the formula to its most unapologetically opulent. A rare find.