The Rolex Daytona is a juggernaut in the world of watches, a grail for both enthusiasts and laymen alike. As Rolex’s only chronograph, it ranks among the best-selling watches on Chrono24. With over 60 years of history, the Rolex Daytona has become increasingly collectible, especially vintage Daytonas following the $17.8 million sale of Paul Newman’s personal Daytona at auction in 2017.
The 40mm watch is more comfortable on the wrist than one might expect, and it is one of the few watches where steel versions typically sell for more than their two-tone counterparts. At the time of writing, there are over 10,000 Rolex Daytonas for sale on Chrono24 in every style imaginable, from every era available. The list below includes the top five best-selling Daytona reference–useful information if you’re looking for one that’s easy to resell in the future or if you’re the type who wants something particularly uncommon.
The top five list below includes some watches you’d expect and some that may likely surprise you. Only two models are crafted in steel, and the first Daytona with an in-house automatic chronograph caliber (ref. 116520) did not make the top five. That’s the hidden beauty of a survey like this, because although Rolex is often seen as slow-moving and monolithic, their model lines, including the Daytona, are deep with obscure variations waiting to be discovered.
1. Rolex Daytona 116500LN
Close your eyes and think of a Rolex Daytona. Some people’s minds might jump straight to a rare vintage Daytona like a Paul Newman, but chances are you’re thinking of the 116500LN. This reference was the first Daytona with a ceramic bezel, now a standard feature on many Rolex sport models due to its durability, scratch-resistance, and the way it shows fully saturated colors. But while the ceramic bezel of a GMT-Master II comes in a variety of color combinations, the 116500LN dons a debonair black – a “Lunette Noir” in Rolex terminology.
Rolex debuted this watch in 2016 and produced it for several years before launching the current generation 126500LN in 2023. The dial choice for both references couldn’t be more black and white (apologies for the pun). Interestingly enough, the white dial has a higher average price on Chrono24 but outpaces the black dial in total number of sales. As such, it takes our top slot as the best-selling Rolex Daytona on the site.
2. Rolex Daytona 16520
Would you ever buy a Rolex that didn’t have a Rolex movement inside? Understandably, most people would say no. That’s a major reason why our Certified by Chrono24 program is so helpful. But the lack of a Rolex movement actually works in favor of the number two best-selling Rolex Daytona: the “Zenith” Daytona ref. 16520.
This reference was the first Daytona with an automatic chronograph caliber, but this was a time before Rolex developed their own in-house version. Thus, the watch uses the familiar favorite Zenith El Primero movement and did so for over a decade from 1988 to 2000. Think of it as an offbeat time capsule in Rolex’s brand history.
For this reference, the white dial once again sells for a higher price than its black dial counterpart, and once again, the white dial also outsells black in terms of volume. Perhaps in a world of black dial sport watches, being the “polar” opposite is a plus (apologies for another pun). However, one advantage for the black dial in this case is its potential for change. Within the black dial variations for this reference, you’ll find “Patrizzi dials,” meaning the subdials have turned to a toasty brown through a process called tropicalization. The effect is not everyone’s favorite, but for fans of patina, it adds a welcome dose of vintage charm.
3. Rolex Daytona 116519LN
If you watched the latest season of the hit TV show “The Bear,” you may have spotted this watch on the wrist of world-renowned chef Thomas Keller, famous for The French Laundry restaurant in California’s Napa Valley. The Rolex Daytona ref. 116519LN is a stellar example of what happens when high meets low. The case is crafted in white gold, but it’s attached to the wrist with Rolex’s decidedly sporty Oysterflex rubber strap. The warm luster of the white gold case beautifully contrasts with the matte finish on the black rubber strap.
The silver dial is naturally the best-seller here, but for something a little flashier, you can always opt for a diamond dial, mother of pearl dial, or even a dial made from meteorite. And for something truly out there, you can check out the quartet of Rolex Daytona “Beach” models sharing this reference number, but that’s a whole other article.
4. Rolex Daytona 116508
John Mayer – ever heard of him? The famous musician is (at least in our world) equally known for his spectacular watch collection. In a popular interview with our friends at Hodinkee, John touted the green and gold ref. 116508 as a hidden gem within the Rolex catalog. Well, it was no longer hidden after that. The watch gained tremendous popularity in the following years and is now nicknamed the “John Mayer Daytona.” Green and gold is a color combination that naturally works very well together, and the popularity of this model was no doubt a significant factor contributing to the ubiquity of new green dial watches around 2021. And if Vacheron Constantin’s newest Overseas lineup tells us anything, it’s that this trend isn’t done yet.
5. Rolex Daytona 116509
Immediately following the reveal of the green and gold Daytona was its sister reference, the 116509 in a quieter combination of a white gold case and a blue dial. This watch was largely overshadowed by its flashier counterpart, but it nonetheless found enough fans to land in the top five on Chrono24. White metals and blue dials have long been a favorite among watch lovers as evidenced by their own heyday before green took over (think Nautilus, Royal Oak, etc.). This watch brings the warmth and weight of gold but in a hue that won’t bring comparisons to King Midas. It’s perfect for those who enjoy precious metals but who also want to fly under the radar.
Blue is the top seller for this reference, but it’s not the only dial color available. Buyers can choose from a range of black or silver dials, and for those who do want to stand out a bit more, you can opt for mother of pearl, meteorite, or the rare and coveted sodalite dial.
