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Writer's pictureBert Levi

Rolex Models - Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

Updated: Feb 28, 2022



Perhaps one of the most well-known timepieces in the world today is the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, a chronograph that has a secondary function as a precise stopwatch. Believed to be one of the most popular sports models to be patented by Rolex, the Daytona is truly an exceptional watch that certainly lives up to consumers’ expectations. Over time, the Daytona has even become synonymous to racing.


What made the Daytona so popular with consumers was its capability to accurately measure elapsed time and average speed by using the innovative Tachymeter scale printed on the bezel. In order to properly operate the first function, one must push the start/stop button after unscrewing it, which makes the large sweep second hand operational. After that, two out of the three dial registers keep track of passing time. The third measure, which is not a part of the stopwatch feature, continues to measure the seconds that lapse. Upon pressing the start/stop button again, the function will halt. Once the reset button is pressed, the large sweep second hand and mini registers return to their original positions. Whenever the side buttons are pressed, a distinct click will sound—the crisper the click, the likely the watch will be an authentic Rolex.


The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona has several different options to choose from, to include the following: 40mm case, screw down push buttons, 31 jewel chronometer movement, and synthetic sapphire crystal. The dials of the Daytona have special features as well, to include a white dial with Arabic numerals, mother of pearl Arabic/Serti dial, black dial with champagne counters, diamond-paved dial with black enamel Arabic numerals, semi-precious stone dial fitted with eight round-cut diamonds, and meteorite dial with Roman numerals.

Some of the earlier Daytona models were the models 6240, 6262, and 6264, all of which came out in 1965. The 6262 replaced the model 6239 while the 6264 replaced the model 6241, serving as improvements for the replaced models because of the new and advanced Valjoux 727 movement. In 1971, the models 6263 and 6265 were introduced with the intent to replace the models 6262 and 6264. These improved Rolex timepieces featured new screw-down waterproof pushers and were the first Daytona models to feature a new larger Triplock winding crown.


In 1988, Rolex released the models 16520, 16523, 16528. These models included the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, which had a tachymeter scale that calibrated the usual 200 units per hour and was later upgraded to 400 units per hour, which can be found in all neoteric Daytona models. In fact, the only difference between them is that the model 16520 can be found in stainless steel, model 16523 was available in a two-tone combination of stainless steel and yellow gold, and model 16528 was only available in yellow gold. All the models were all powered by a caliber 4030 Zenith El Primero movement. Subsequent models were the 16518, released in 1992, and the 16519, which was made available in 1997.




Bert Levi Family Jewelers is not affiliated with Rolex SA, and nothing

in this content should be construed as an endorsement by Rolex. We

are not an Official Rolex Dealer, and if you are searching for a new

Rolex, you should visit Rolex.com in order to find an authorized

dealer. We buy and sell pre-owned Rolexes only.

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