Highlighting the White Gold Rolex Daytona 116509 Blue Dial
Although the yellow gold Daytona 116508 with a green dial is affectionately known as the “John Mayer” thanks to an interview the musician did where he discussed the watch, what many seem to forget is that another Daytona appeared alongside it – the white gold Rolex Daytona 116509 with a bright blue dial. Why this particular variant didn’t also pick up the same nickname (or become as hyped) as the yellow gold version, we’ll never understand. However, what we are sure of is that the now-discontinued white gold Daytona 116509 with the blue dial is one of the best-looking modern Rolex watches on the market. Let’s discuss all the details of this often-overlooked beauty.
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The Rolex Daytona 116509 in White Gold
2016 was a big year for the Rolex Daytona collection; that was the year that the exceedingly popular ceramic and steel Daytona 116500LN was unveiled. While that model grabbed all the headlines, Rolex also quietly added some new precious models to the lineup including the white gold Daytona ref. 116509.
The 40mm 18k white gold case of the Daytona 116509 is topped with a white gold bezel, engraved with the customary tachymeter scale that can be used to measure the average speeds or distances of a racing car. Like all Rolex Daytona watches made over the last 50 years, the reference 116509 includes a pair of screw-down chronograph pushers and a screw-down winding crown. These details help maintain the watch’s water resistance, which in the case of the 116509 is 100 meters.
The Daytona ref. 116509 is paired with an Oyster bracelet, which not only adds sportiness to the watch but a whole lot of gold too as it is constructed in 18k white gold. The solid gold case and bracelet certainly add heft to the wrist, and you can feel the luxuriousness of this Rolex chronograph while wearing it. While white gold is just as precious as other golds, it’s much more subtle and understated than its yellow or rose counterparts. At first glance, white gold can be mistaken for less expensive metals such as stainless steel; yet those in the know understand its value and many appreciate that it isn’t as flashy as other precious metals.
The Blue Dial
The metal may be understated but the dial certainly isn’t. This particular version of the Daytona 116509 is home to a striking sunburst blue dial that complements the cool metal flawlessly. White metal watches with blue dials are considered a classic colorway in watches, and this Daytona illustrates that appeal beautifully.
If we zoom in on that blue dial, we see the familiar tri-compax chronograph layout with counters for the elapsed minutes at 3 o’clock, elapsed hours at 9 o’clock, and running seconds at 6 o’clock. An especially cool detail on this blue Daytona is the red accents, found inside the trio of counters and of course, that DAYTONA insignia above 6 o’clock.
The hands and hour markers are also crafted from 18k white gold, all coated with Rolex’s Chromalight luminescence for legibility in the dark.
Rolex Caliber 4130
Since 2000, Rolex has equipped its Daytona watches with an in-house automatic chronograph movement. And up until 2023, that movement was the Rolex Caliber 4130 (now, it’s the Caliber 4131 in current-production models), which offers a 72-hour power reserve. Furthermore, from 2015 onward, Rolex guarantees that its mechanical watches boast an accuracy rating of -/+ 2 seconds per day – living up to the “Superlative” portion of the Chronometer Officially Certified text on the dial.
Although Rolex replaced the Daytona 116509 chronograph (along with all of its counterparts) in 2023 with a new generation of references, this white gold and blue Daytona will always remain a standout piece of the lineup – and one of our favorites of all time.
Gray & Sons is proud to offer a wide selection of pre-owned Rolex Daytona watches, including white gold models such as the ref. 116509 with a blue dial. Browse our selection of preowned Rolex watches to find your perfect timepiece. Alternatively, if you’re looking to sell your Daytona, feel free to visit our sister site, Sell Us Your Jewelry for the best prices to sell your Rolex.
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