Rolex Daytona Racing Dials Up Close

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116509

The Rolex Daytona “Racing” Dial appears in the ref. 116509 range. First introduced in 2004, this model was the first white gold Daytona with an Oyster bracelet made of the same material.

The ref. 116509 should not be mistaken with the ref. 116519, both of which have an immaculate white gold construction. While the ref. 116509 is made entirely of gold and features a gold bracelet and bezel, the ref. 116519 has a leather or Oysterflex band and a white gold or ceramic bezel.

Uninformed observers may mistake the Daytona 116509’s silvery metallic tint for stainless steel; nevertheless, enthusiasts are well aware that this particular edition is fashioned of 18-carat white gold. Rolex has an in-house foundry to assure the optimal combination of components to manufacture the finest gold possible. The three-link Oyster bracelet, which is noticeably heavier than the stainless steel equivalent, adds to the watch’s sporty style.

Moreover, this watch runs on a COSC-certified mechanism developed by the Swiss brand – the Caliber 4130. This movement is part of Rolex’s first generation and offers various advantages, including fewer components for enhanced reliability, a Parachrom hairspring for increased resistance to external elements, and a 72-hour power reserve.

The Rolex Daytona ref. 116509 Racing Dial

The Daytona ref. 116509 “Racing Dial” combines the subtle beauty of white gold with wonderfully mischievous accents. The motorsport concept of the Daytona is emphasized by this watch.

In place of the traditional indices, we find applied 18-carat white gold Arabic numerals, giving the watch a sporty look. The dial is complemented by many “Ferrari red” embellishments on the minute track, the sub-register, and the central chronograph hand.

Initial designs came in matte charcoal black with white gold Arabic numerals, and sunburst silver dials with black Arabic numerals, emphasizing the contrast against the white gold case. A very rare and contemporary-looking gray-brown dial also followed, as did a meteorite dial with Roman numeral markers in white gold.

In 2016, the “Racing Dial” was offered in a modernized sunburst blue dial option. We still see the “Ferrari red” detailing, but no longer see the older-style Arabic and Roman numerals. They have been replaced with white gold applique hour markers with Rolex’s signature Chromalight, a highly legible luminescent material.

The original Racing dial has been discontinued for a while now, but it remains sought after for its athletic appearance. The Daytona, in all its various guises, has long been a favorite of collectors the world over, and this special racing variant is proof as to why.