From iconic staples to modern upgrades, these are the 8 hottest Rolex Daytona models dominating the market in 2025.
The Daytona is Rolex’s collection of racing-inspired sports watches. Introduced in 1963, the Daytona was created for race car drivers. With time, this Chronograph sports watch has gained widespread popularity among collectors and watch enthusiasts.
As one of the most iconic Rolex timepieces in the market, the Rolex Daytona is highly sought-after. While the collection now includes several models and variants, each Daytona timepiece is an embodiment of style, luxury, and technical precision.
The Daytona collection now includes an extensive range of models from classic stainless steel watches to luxurious precious-metal variants. Although all of these watches have the potential to be best-sellers in the luxury watch market, there have been a few outstanding models over the years. In this guide, we review 8 of the Best Rolex Daytona Models, exploring their history and all the unique features that make them so sought-after by collectors.
The Rolex Daytona 116520-0016 is a version of the Cosmograph Daytona that pairs a robust stainless steel casing and bracelet with an elegant white dial. This Daytona variant is famous in the watch collection world for a wide range of reasons, including being the first Daytona to feature an in-house movement. The movement (the caliber 4130) represented a significant milestone for the brand, and it still powers many of the current Daytona models.
More importantly, the Rolex Daytona 116520-0016 is the last of the pre-ceramic bezel Daytona variants. This watch features a stainless steel bezel instead of the famous Cerachrom ceramic bezel inserts. These attributes make the Daytona Ref 116520-0016 one of the most popular Daytona watches ever. The high demand makes it a good investment piece with potential for a huge value gain in the secondary market.
The Daytona ref. 116520 -0016 comes in a 40mm Oystersteel casing. The case is only 12mm thick, which is thin enough to fit under most cuffs. It’s an impressive dimension for a chronograph timepiece. The highlight, of course, is the white dial, which looks similar to that of classic Daytona models, with a few subtle adjustments to the arrangement of the subdials. This white dial variant is popular and in demand compared to the black-dial alternative.
The Rolex Daytona 116520-0015 is the black dial variant of the stainless steel Ref. 116520. It was released in the year 2000 alongside the white dial version. These Daytona models are highly sought after by collectors due to their iconic status as the last Daytona models with a stainless steel Bezel.
Like other Daytona models, the Ref 116529-0015 is famous for its chronograph and tachymeter function displayed on glossy black dials, with matching black Bezels. Unlike the White dial variant, which is the most common in the market, this black dial Daytona is relatively rare, adding to its value in watch collection circles.
The black dial gives this watch a classic and elegant appearance, which makes it perfect for all occasions. This timepiece is powered by an in-house automatic movement that runs on a power reserve of up to 72 hours.
Like most Rolex watches, it is powered by an automatic movement and has a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. The Rolex reference 116520 is considered a classic and highly sought-after watch by collectors and enthusiasts. The Daytona Ref 116520-0015 is paired with a three-piece link Oyster Bracelet with polished center links that add to its elegant appearance.
The Rolex Daytona 116500LN was released in 2016 and is currently the most popular Daytona in the watchmaker’s current catalog. This model’s claim to fame was being the first Daytona timepiece to feature a black Cerachrom ceramic Bezel, replacing the stainless steel Bezel of the classic models. Aside from the Ceramic bezel, the dimensions and other specs of this watch remain practically the same.
The timepiece is famous among Rolex Daytona fans looking for a more modern version of the iconic chronograph watch. The Ref 116500LN-001 is the white dial version of this watch. This sporty but elegant variant has been nicknamed the Panda Daytona due to the contrasting black and white colors of the chronograph and small-seconds subdials. The unique arrangement of these subdials bears a subtle resemblance to a Panda’s face.
While the Ref 116500LN-001 is gradually gaining popularity, many Daytona fans are still quite attached to the older stainless steel models due to their classic appearance. The white dial version enjoys more demand compared to the black dial. This gradually skyrocketing popularity and increased demand also make it more expensive in the secondary market.
The Rolex 116500LN-002 is often described as the suit-and-tie version of the ceramic Daytona due to its glossy black dial, which gives it a classic appearance that’s perfect for all occasions. The black dial is paired with a black Cerachrom bezel engraved with a tachymetric scale. In addition to its classic appearance, this watch also has elegant dimensions with a diameter of 40mm and a 12mm thickness - perfect dimensions for a watch built for formal occasions.
Like other Rolex Daytona watches, this timepiece has three subdials in a contrasting white color that stands out against the full black dial. They’re not as prominent as the subdials of the white dial “Panda” variant, but they still deliver optimal legibility. They include the chronograph subdial, a 30-minute counter, and a stop-seconds dial. Both models are practically identical except for the differences in their dial color.
This watch is equipped with the caliber 4130 movement, featuring a self-winding bi-directional rotor with a 72-hour power reserve. The casing is paired with a stainless steel Oyster bracelet featuring Rolex’s secure deployment clasp.
The Rolex Daytona 116508-0013 was released in 2016 as part of a series of yellow gold Daytona watches. This variant specifically pairs the yellow gold casing with a distinctive green dial.
The Daytona Chronograph timepiece comes in a classic 40mm case size, which strikes the perfect balance between sportiness and wearability. However, the most important attribute of this case (and bracelet) is the luxurious 18k yellow gold material, which exudes a sense of warmth and sophistication. Despite this elegant appearance, the Daytona Ref 116508-0013 maintains its identity as a technically complex Daytona Chronograph watch beloved by racing aficionados and watch enthusiasts alike.
The Ref 116508-0013 watch is particularly popular among collectors who want a modern Daytona model with a luxurious aesthetic. The popularity of this watch spiked even more in 2019 when American celebrity singer and guitarist John Mayer referred to it as a “sleeper hit” on an episode of Talking Watches.
Mayer has also been spotted wearing this watch with its gorgeous green dial on many occasions. His public endorsement of this timepiece instantly elevated its popularity in collectors’ circles. The model’s price rose from just $34,000 to up to $88,000 within a year. The model’s association with the celebrity also earned it the “John Mayer Daytona” nickname.
The Rolex Daytona Ref 116506-0001 is one of the most exclusive Daytona models on the market. This unique timepiece joined Rolex’s lineup of Daytona watches in 2013. It was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Daytona collection.
Unlike other Daytona versions typically presented in stainless steel or gold casing, the Ref 116506-0001 is a platinum watch. This is a rarely seen case material, not just in the Daytona collection but in Rolex’s catalog at large.
While the case material of this watch is unique, the case proportions are similar to those of the stainless steel models, particularly the Ref 116500LN Daytona. To add to the collection’s rarity, Rolex used ceramic bezel inserts for the second time in this model.
Arguably, the most outstanding feature of the Rolex Daytona 116506-0001 is the ice blue colored dial. The model got the nickname “Ice Blue Daytona” as a result of this dial color, which is exclusively reserved for Rolex platinum watches. The stunning ice blue dial further enhances the sophisticated appearance of this platinum watch. It is an extraordinary model with a lot of unique features that just fit a 50th anniversary model.
The new stainless steel Rolex Daytona 126500LN-001 is the latest version of the famous white dial Panda Daytona watch, introducing some interesting updates and refinements to the beloved “Panda” model.
Introduced in 2023, this timepiece is the first piece of an entirely new generation of Daytona watches. So while the New Daytona still shares some similarities with the watches from the previous generation, virtually all parts of this watch have been updated in some way. This represents the first significant update to the Daytona collection in 20 years.
While this watch still retains its 40mm diameter, it now has a slimmer appearance, thanks to its thinner bezel. The bezel isn’t an insert like the other models, but a solid element with a metallic ring that has been incorporated into the case. The overall thickness of this watch has also been reduced by 0.5mm compared to the previous generation.
The crown guard has become better integrated into the case thanks to its longer and slightly curved profile. Even the famous Panda dial has been refined with slightly smaller subdials to give the watch a sleeker, more modern aesthetic without compromising legibility.
In addition to the aesthetic differences, the new Panda model also comes with an entirely new movement. The Caliber 4131 movement features some of the latest Rolex technologies, particularly the watchmaker’s patented Chronergy escapement.
The Rolex Daytona 126500LN-0002 represents the latest upgrade of the black dial Daytona 116500LN-0002. This watch is the black dial variant of the famous Daytona Panda timepiece. It was released in 2023 alongside the newly redesigned white dial option.
The modern reference 126500LN Daytona is a perfect blend of classic aesthetics and modern features. The watch comes with notable upgrades, including a slimmer profile, redesigned ceramic bezel, and some subtle modifications to the dial. Even the movement has been changed to the acclaimed in-house caliber 4131, which features a few notable enhancements, including a 72-hour power reserve and redesigned Chronergy Escapement.
The dial still displays three subdials with silver rings against a prominent black background. However, the subdials have been resized, with the internal diameter of the ring increased to give the watch face a sleeker and more contemporary appearance. It also has polished gold hands and contrasting white gold hour markers with a luminescent fill to promote legibility even in the dark.
This lineup of Best Rolex Daytona watches shows the incredible depth and variety available within one of Rolex’s most popular collections. You can shop for these best-selling Daytona models and other high-end luxury watches from Rolex or other brands on the Bezel platform.
Our catalog features quite an extensive range of Daytona timepieces, from the classic models with a white dial to modern versions like the John Mayer Daytona. The Bezel platform makes it easy to find the perfect Daytona timepiece for you by simply using the search button or filtering your choices by model, case size, material, or your budget.
You can also use our concierge services to find specific watch models even if they’re not listed on the Bezel site right now. This service allows you to find rare variants with unique designs through our network of industry insiders and trusted sellers. All watches listed on the Bezel platform pass through a strict and comprehensive in-house authentication process, so you can be sure that every Daytona timepiece you buy on our site is the real deal.
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