In 2017, at the Baselworld watch show, Rolex introduced their new catalogue for the year, which included a selection of precious metal Oysterflex Daytona's. The new Oysterflex Daytona, reference 11651X (as of 2024 12651X), was launched in Everose gold, yellow gold, and white gold. The Everose gold model (116515) had a selection of dials to choose from, whereas the yellow gold (116518) and the white gold (116519) models had only one configuration each. The yellow gold model featured a champagne sunburst dial with black subdials, now commonly known as the Pikachu, and the white gold model featured a silver dial with black subdials, now known as the Ghost Daytona. The Rolex Daytona Ghost was introduced in 2017 at Baselworld, among many other watches.
The Oysterflex Daytona stands out to many collectors and watch enthusiasts because it features a ceramic bezel rather than a metal one. Tachymeter bezels crafted from metal and precious metals, in particular, can get scratched, causing the watch to become dull as the numbers fade. Ceramic is far more scratch-resistant compared to a soft metal like gold, making it perfect for a bezel, as this part of the watch is susceptible to signs of wear. As of 2024, the ceramic bezel for the Daytona is exclusively black, with the only exception being made for the Platinum Daytona 126506, which features a chestnut brown bezel.
Comfort and Practicality
The Rolex Oysterflex Daytona is considered by many collectors to be one of the most comfortable watches on the market, and there are many reasons why. Firstly, it has a lightweight rubber strap with a breathable and ergonomic design. The Oysterflex strap caters to the wrist and tapers at the clasp. At the clasp of an Oysterflex Daytona, you can find one of Rolex's easy adjustment systems. The first-generation Oysterflex Daytona (11651X) is fitted with an Easylink extension, which allows you to adjust the watch by 5mm, whereas the latest and greatest model (12651X) is fitted with a Glidelock extension, which allows you to adjust it by a total of 15mm in 2.5mm increments, allowing the wearer to find the perfect fit no matter where or when.
What's the Rolex Oysterflex Strap Made Of?
The Rolex Oysterflex isn't just a rubber strap; it has been precisely designed and crafted for optimal longevity, wearability, and durability. At the centre of the strap is a corrosion-resistant and strong titanium and nickel alloy, which is coated in elastomer. Unlike natural rubber, elastomer is more durable and can withstand harsher conditions. The material is also considerably more comfortable.
The Most Popular Oysterflex Daytonas
The Rolex Daytona Pikachu 126518LN
The Pikachu (126518LN) has an 18ct yellow gold case, a black ceramic bezel, but the highlight of this icon is the dial. The dial is champagne-coloured with a sunburst pattern, black subdials, and a splash of red, which earned the watch its nickname Pikachu among watch enthusiasts across the globe. This configuration was the first yellow gold Oysterflex Daytona to be released and was introduced initially as reference 116518LN. It's no surprise that Rolex has kept this stunning piece in its catalogue. If someone mentions a yellow gold Oysterflex Daytona, this is the one that comes to mind.
The Rolex Daytona Ghost 126519LN
Similar to the Pikachu, the Rolex Daytona Ghost was also the first Oysterflex Daytona to be released, but in white gold. The sleek design of the Ghost makes it stand out among the entire Daytona collection. The watch has an 18ct white gold case, a black ceramic bezel, and a stunning silver sunburst dial that allows the watch to be vibrant during the day and shift to a more subtle yet bold appearance in the evening.
The Rolex Daytona Chocolate 116515LN
The Rolex Daytona Oysterflex with a chocolate dial is one of the most sought-after models in the range. Despite the demand for this piece, Rolex discontinued this model in 2023, and there are no chocolate dials for the Daytona in the current 2024 catalogue. The Rolex Daytona Chocolate 116515 features an Everose gold case that blends perfectly with the sunburst chocolate dial. A brown dial in a luxury watch is a bold move, but Rolex perfected this configuration, and anyone who sees it in person will most often agree.
Where Can I Buy a Rolex Oysterflex Daytona?
At LBJ Watches London, we always stock a range of Rolex Daytona's that are available for viewing and immediate purchase. Click here to view our current stock. LBJ Watches London has one of the largest networks for luxury watches both internationally and nationally, so if you can’t find the watch you're looking for on our website, click here to learn more about watch sourcing.
If you are looking to sell your Rolex Daytona Oysterflex, there's no doubt that it will be hard to part with such a beautiful Rolex, which is why we make selling your watch easy with our same-day quotes, fair market value prices, and instant bank transfer payments. We are based in London and buy and sell Rolex watches internationally.
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