With the street cred of a Rapper’s bling, the Rolex Daytona ‘Rainbow’ is quite possibly the most in demand precious metal Daytona in production today.
The Gemset Case
The 18 ct Everose gold case replaces the traditional tachymetric scale bezel with a new bezel set with a gradation of sapphires in rainbow hues. The case is adorned with 56 brilliant-cut diamonds set into the lugs and crown guard, and the dial features 11 baguette-cut sapphire hour markers, each of which matches the colour of the corresponding point on the bezel.
The Cosmograph Daytona’s Oyster case construction is similar to any other current production Daytona models. The watch is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Its middle case, with an integral crown guard, is crafted from a solid block of 18 ct Everose gold. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement.
The winding crown, fitted with the Triplock triple waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case, along with the chronograph pushers. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire.
The Dial
The chronograph counters are in pink Gold Crystals, a material with a particular shimmer effect, created during the crystallization of a pink gold alloy by means of a special process developed by Rolex.
The new version of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, in 18 ct Everose gold, is adorned with gemstones, including 36 baguette-cut sapphires in rainbow hues on the bezel.
The Movement
The Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with calibre 4130, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. The movement incorporates a chronograph function with a reduced number of components, thereby enhancing the movement’s reliability.
The robust chronograph is engaged by a mechanism with a column wheel and vertical clutch, providing an instant and extremely precise start. The balance wheel, the true heart of the watch, has a blue Parachrom hairspring manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive paramagnetic alloy. Insensitive to magnetic fields, the Parachrom hairspring offers great stability despite temperature variations and remains up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. A Rolex overcoil ensures its regularity in any position. Calibre 4130 is equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor and offers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.
Concluding thoughts
The watch is a delight to look at, for those who appreciate gem-setting and precious stones. But to pull off a gem-set watch in a worn-on-wrist scenario is highly unusual for most. In particular, the overt display of opulence has become unfashionable by today’s standards. That said, the watch as with most Daytona models, is highly sought after, and is said to be produced in lower numbers, limited by the difficulty of assembling the gems and producing the Rainbow bezel.
