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The Daytona That Dazzles: The Essential Guide to the Rolex Daytona Rainbow
The Rolex Daytona Rainbow combines precision engineering with bold gemstone artistry. Find out why it’s a must-have for serious Rolex collectors.
The Rolex Daytona Rainbow is one of the most dazzling and distinctive variations of the legendary Rolex Daytona chronograph. Renowned for its vibrant, multi-colored gemstone bezel and exceptional craftsmanship, this timepiece seamlessly blends high horology with avant-garde luxury. As a bold expression of Rolex’s expertise in gem-setting and watchmaking, the Daytona Rainbow has captured the attention of collectors, celebrities, and enthusiasts alike. Sotheby’s has had the privilege of selling numerous examples of this striking watch at auctions worldwide, further cementing its status as an icon. In this guide, we explore its history, key features, notable references, and famous owners.
Rolex Daytona Rainbow Key Takeaways
| Feature | Overview |
| Design & Origin | Introduced in 2012; iconic multi-colored sapphire bezel; limited edition |
| Style | Bold, colorful, gem-set luxury chronograph |
| Materials | 18k Everose, yellow gold, or white gold with baguette sapphires |
| Key Sizes | Standard Daytona size: 40mm diameter |
| Collectability & Value | Highly collectible; limited production; strong secondary market demand |
| Pricing | Typically above $300,000 USD at auction, varying by reference and condition |
| Collector Appeal | Celebrity-owned; rare gem-set bezel; prestigious Rolex craftsmanship |
History of the Rolex Daytona Rainbow
Introduced in 2012 with the reference 116595RBOW, the Rolex Daytona Rainbow marked a dramatic departure from traditional Daytona designs. Rolex, known for its understated yet elegant sports watches, took an unexpected yet masterful turn by incorporating a bezel set with 36 baguette-cut, rainbow-colored sapphires. This innovative design was part of Rolex’s broader strategy to merge high horology with artistic aesthetics, appealing to a growing market of collectors who sought exceptional gem-set timepieces.
The Rolex Daytona Rainbow drew inspiration from the success of Rolex’s previous gem-set watches, but it quickly gained a reputation as a standout piece due to its eye-catching design. Its vibrant aesthetic and meticulous craftsmanship made it a highly desirable addition to the Daytona lineage.
In 2018, Rolex refined its original design, reintroducing the reference 116595RBOW with subtle improvements in gem-setting, craftsmanship, and overall finishing. This updated model solidified the Daytona Rainbow’s position as a modern classic. Over the years, Rolex has continued to experiment with variations, offering different metal combinations and dial treatments, each enhancing the exclusivity of this remarkable timepiece.
Key Features of the Rolex Daytona Rainbow
Gem-Set Bezel
The defining feature of the Rolex Daytona Rainbow is its breathtaking bezel, set with 36 baguette-cut, rainbow-colored sapphires arranged in a seamless gradient. The carefully selected sapphires transition smoothly from one hue to the next, creating a mesmerizing spectrum of color. This masterful gem-setting process requires an exceptional level of expertise to ensure perfect alignment and uniformity.
Case and Bracelet
Typically crafted from luxurious 18k Everose gold, yellow gold, or white gold, the Rolex Daytona Rainbow maintains the durability and robust design of the classic Daytona while elevating its aesthetic appeal. The case features the signature screw-down pushers and a tachymetric scale, emphasizing its chronograph functionality. The bracelet, often an Oyster design, complements the opulent look of the watch while ensuring a comfortable fit.
Movement
At the heart of the Rolex Daytona Rainbow is the in-house Caliber 4130, a self-winding chronograph movement celebrated for its precision, reliability, and durability. With a power reserve of approximately 72 hours and a column-wheel chronograph mechanism, this movement upholds Rolex’s reputation for high-performance engineering. While the case back remains solid (as is tradition with Rolex), the craftsmanship within is just as impressive as its external beauty.
Dial
The dial of the Rolex Daytona Rainbow is a masterpiece in its own right. Many iterations feature matching gem-set hour markers that align harmoniously with the colors of the bezel. Some variations incorporate mother-of-pearl or pavé diamond dials, further enhancing the watch’s luxurious appeal. The signature three subdials, an essential feature of the Daytona collection, maintain the chronograph functionality while adding to the aesthetic balance of the design.
Limited Production & Exclusivity
Unlike standard Rolex Daytona models, the Rainbow edition is produced in very limited quantities. The intricate gem-setting process and the challenge of sourcing perfectly matched sapphires contribute to its rarity. This exclusivity, combined with its distinct design, makes the Daytona Rainbow one of the most sought-after Rolex watches in the luxury watch market.
Key References for the Rolex Daytona Rainbow
Reference 116595RBOW (2012)
The original Rolex Daytona Rainbow, unveiled in 2012, was a groundbreaking creation distinguished by its 18k Everose gold case and iconic rainbow sapphire bezel. Instantly celebrated as a collector’s gem, it has remained one of the most coveted modern Rolex watches. In April 2025, a 2013 Rolex Daytona Rainbow Reference 116598RBOW sold for 2,413,000 HKD (approximately 311,000 USD) at Sotheby's Important Watches auction in Hong Kong.
Reference 116595RBOW (2018)
A refined iteration of the original, the 2018 Rolex Daytona Rainbow introduced subtle design updates, further perfecting the bezel’s color gradient and enhancing the overall craftsmanship.
Additional Variants
Over time, Rolex has released various versions of the Daytona Rainbow, including models in different gold variations such as yellow and white gold. Each version maintains the core design ethos while offering collectors additional choices in aesthetic and material preferences.
Famous Owners of the Rolex Daytona Rainbow
The Rolex Daytona Rainbow has found its way onto the wrists of some of the world's most prominent celebrities, further boosting its desirability and status.
John Mayer
Legendary musician and avid watch collector John Mayer has been known to own some of the rarest and most sought-after Rolex timepieces, and the Daytona Rainbow is no exception. His appreciation for unique Rolex models has helped bring mainstream attention to this spectacular watch.
Kevin Hart & Mark Wahlberg
Hollywood actors Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg are well-known Rolex enthusiasts, and both have been seen sporting the Rainbow Daytona. Wahlberg, in particular, owns multiple variations, including both the Everose and white gold editions.
Elite Athletes
The Rolex Daytona Rainbow has also found favor among top athletes. NBA star Anthony Davis and England footballer Harry Kane are just a few of the high-profile sports figures who have been spotted wearing this vibrant timepiece, showcasing its universal appeal across different industries.
Why the Rolex Daytona Rainbow Is a Collector’s Dream
The Rolex Daytona Rainbow stands as one of the most visually striking and highly coveted timepieces in Rolex’s storied collection. With its breathtaking sapphire-set bezel, luxurious craftsmanship, and precise engineering, the Rainbow Daytona represents the perfect fusion of artistry and horology. Its limited production and celebrity status have only heightened its desirability, making it a prized addition to any serious watch collection. For collectors and enthusiasts looking to acquire this remarkable timepiece, Sotheby’s offers unparalleled expertise in sourcing and selling rare Rolex watches.
Buy and Sell Rolex Watches with Sotheby’s
Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of fine watches, Sotheby’s offers a trusted, seamless way to buy and sell Rolex timepieces on the secondary market.
Why Choose Sotheby’s?
- Expertly Vetted Selection
Explore rare and iconic models, from Datejust watches starting around $10,000 to highly sought-after Rolex pieces commanding significantly higher prices - Exclusive Global Access
Shop watches through auctions and Buy Now marketplace, backed by a worldwide network of collectors and consignors. - Flexible Ways to Buy
Purchase online or in person at our locations in New York, Paris, and Hong Kong—or work with a dedicated watch concierge. - Exceptional Value
Every watch is authenticated and priced by Sotheby’s specialists to reflect true market value. - Constantly Evolving Inventory
Discover vintage and modern Rolex watches across all price points, with new pieces added regularly.
Ready to Get Started?
- Browse Sotheby's upcoming watch auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Shop Sotheby's Buy Now watches for instant access to available inventory.
- Speak with a Sotheby's watch specialist to consign or request a valuation for a Rolex Daytona Rainbow watch.
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