We can all thank John Mayer for the Rolex Daytona Reference 116508 recently exploding in popularity. He shared his extensive watch collection with Hodinkee back in March. The video has been viewed over 1.1 million times since then, and Rolex fans can’t get enough.
Shortly after the video was released, the Rolex Daytona reference 116508 has been near impossible to find. The value shot from around 36k up to 50-70k in a mere matter of months. Resellers are sold out everywhere.
So what’s the big deal?
The Rolex Daytona Reference 116508
Mayer called it. Specifically he called it a ‘Sleeper Hit.’ A ‘Sleeper Hit’ (according to Mayer) is a watch that’s released under the radar, but overshadowed by another watch released at the same time. After a while, the masses finally catch on and it becomes a MAJOR hit.
This particular Daytona was released in 2016, alongside the ceramic bezel Daytona. No one really cared that Daytona released an 18k yellow gold watch with a green dial (or a white gold version with a blue dial) at the time. No one cared UNTIL a major celebrity doted on it.
There’s usually no shortage of solid gold Rolex watches on the market, because they carry such a heavy price tag already. Only a fraction of Rolex buyers can drop 30k+ on a gold watch in a moments notice.
They’re already a decent investment because they typically appreciate in value, but the Rolex Daytona reference 116508 is killing it right now.
Special Features
18k Gold
The Daytona gold combination is nothing new for Rolex, so maybe that’s why the release went unnoticed at Baselworld 2016. Rolex operates its own foundry, which means only the highest quality alloys are casted. In addition to yellow gold, the Rolex foundry also creates its own pink and white gold.
Green Dial
It’s the elusive green dial that’s getting everyone all hot and bothered. It’s not just any green, and it’s a different hue that what’s featured on the Kermit and Hulk. So what exactly is it about THIS green?
The dial features a green sunburst, which captures the light in an incredible way. If you want to turn heads, then this watch will have everyone looking. Some sources say this particular model was released to celebrate the ‘Rolex certified’ green seal. Either way, the green and gold pairing on this Daytona looks phenomenal on the wrist.
Final Thoughts
Some have already coined it the John Mayer Rolex. John, we feel you on this one. It’ll be interesting to see how the price and demand play out in years to come.
The elusive factor and the prestigious green and gold combination create the perfect package for Rolex collectors. Don’t ‘sleep’ on this one if it crosses your path!
TECHNICAL SPECS
MODEL CASE
Oyster, 40 mm, yellow gold
OYSTER ARCHITECTURE
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown
DIAMETER
40 mm
MATERIAL
18 ct yellow gold
BEZEL
Fixed, with engraved tachymetric scale, in 18 ct yellow gold
WINDING CROWN
Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system
CRYSTAL
Scratch-resistant sapphire
WATER-RESISTANCE
Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet
MOVEMENT
Perpetual, mechanical chronograph, self-winding
CALIBRE
4130, Manufacture Rolex
FUNCTIONS
Centre hour, minute and seconds hands, small seconds hand at 6 o’clock. Chronograph (centre hand) accurate to within 1/8 of a second, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock. Stop seconds for precise time setting
WINDING
Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
POWER RESERVE
Approximately 72 hours
BRACELET
Oyster, flat three-piece links
BRACELET MATERIAL
18 ct yellow gold
CLASP
Folding Oysterclasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
DIAL
Green
If you are interested in purchasing a Rolex Daytona or another fine watch from Jonathan’s Fine Jewelers, give us a call or fill out our contact form and a representative will be with you shortly. Check out our Facebook page for box openings and watch reviews by our in-house watch expert Sergio Nuncio!
