The Daytona That Dazzles: The Essential Guide to the Rolex Daytona Rainbow

The Daytona That Dazzles: The Essential Guide to the Rolex Daytona Rainbow

The Rolex Daytona Rainbow is one of the rarest and most striking Rolex watch models available. Read on to learn more.
The Rolex Daytona Rainbow is one of the rarest and most striking Rolex watch models available. Read on to learn more.

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 Reference 116598RBOW, Circa 2012

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.

Rolex Daytona Rainbow Reference 116595RBOW, Circa 2018

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.

    Rolex Rainbow Daytona Reference 116595, Circa 2018

    Key References for the Rolex Daytona Rainbow

    Reference 116595RBOW (2012)

    The original Rolex Daytona Rainbow, introduced in 2012, was a groundbreaking release featuring an 18k Everose gold case and the signature rainbow sapphire bezel. It immediately gained recognition as a collector’s piece.

    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.

    Rolex Daytona Rainbow Reference 116599, Circa 2013

    Famous Wearers 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.

    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.

    Advantages to Buying Rolex Watches on the Secondary Market

    1. Access

    Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of Rolex watches from its long established global network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers sought-after Rolex watches, from iconic classics to rare, collectible editions. Our watch specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable Rolex models from collectors around the world.

    2. Flexibility

    Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase Rolex watches, including online and in person at our locations in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris, and London. We also provide a concierge service to help source specific Rolex models not available online.

    3. Value

    While authorized Rolex boutiques offer their latest collections, finding specific models—especially those with strong collector demand—can be challenging due to availability constraints. Sotheby’s presents a curated selection of Rolex watches, including rare and discontinued references, available for purchase without the need to visit multiple retailers. Shopping with Sotheby’s ensures access to exceptional Rolex timepieces, from vintage icons to modern grail watches, all authenticated by experts.

    4. Discovery

    One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the chance to discover unique, limited-production Rolex watches no longer available at retail. Our curated selection of Rolex watches is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.

    Buy and Sell Your Rolex Daytona Rainbow Watch with Sotheby's

    Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest Rolex watches available for immediate purchase, as well as through auctions held in New York, Paris, Zurich, and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Rolex models in every sale, including iconic pieces like the Daytona, GMT-Master, Submariner, and more in exceptional condition. Sotheby’s auctions feature an array of Rolex timepieces, ranging from elegant vintage models to contemporary masterpieces, showcasing the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship and innovation.

    Prices for Rolex watches start around $10,000 for simpler models like the Datejust and rise significantly for highly sought-after pieces. Iconic models such as the Day-Date and Daytona often command starting prices of $50,000, while rare collectible editions can exceed $200,000.

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