The Rolex Daytona
The Rolex Daytona is Rolex’s answer to a drivers watch. Rolex has always been the leader is specialty sports watches and the Daytona is no different. The cosmograph Rolex Daytona was designed for the professional race car driver and even 50 years after its first production it is still joined in name and function to this fast paced motor sport. The Rolex Daytona began production in 1963. While the case design has always looked similar, the first series is hand-wound while the second series introduced a self-winding automatic movement and the third series brought the production of the movement home to Rolex. Rolex has always preferred to design and manufacture their own parts and movements.
The first series sported an “exotic” variant dial now known as the “Paul Newman”, named after the famous actor and race enthusiast. He received the watch as a gift from his wife, Joanne Woodward, and he helped to build the popularity of the Daytona by wearing it consistently during his racing career.
“The Pre-Daytona”
The Rolex Daytona is a little different than many of the other models of Rolex sports models as it had several models that were Daytona but not. These models are referred to as the “Pre-Daytona” and are the rarest of all Daytona models. There have been 3 series of Rolex Daytonas made to date. The “Pre-Daytona” models of course are from the first series. While similar in many features we know and love in the Rolex Daytona there were a few subtle differences. First the “Pre-Daytona” models have a manual wind movement instead of the standard automatic movements. These models were not marked with Daytona on the dial, instead they were marked simply chronograph. While these models used the standard oyster case and band the movements were produced by an outside manufacturer. These movements were produced by Valjoux and was designated caliber 72. These movements once purchased were reworked by Rolex and was referred to as the Rolex 727 caliber. These movements were extremely accurate and durable, and was certified as a chronometer. These models were produced from 1963-1988. The “Pre- Daytonas” were produced with monotone sub-dials in a color designed to contrast with the main dial color. For instance the black dial had silver sub-dials to make it easier to read.Model number 6238 was an exception and had a monotone dial and a tachymeter within the crystal. There are a few rare “albino” variants of the Daytona where sub-dial colors match the main dial similar to the 6238. The first recognized “Albino style Daytona” was owned by Eric Clapton. It was in 1964 Rolex finally added “Daytona” to the dial just below the 12 o’clock, so the “Rolex Cosmograph” was moved just above the 6 o’clock (hours) sub-dial by 1967. In 1965 Rolex released the “exotic” or as they are better known the “Paul Newman”dial. These are the most well known and a sought after dials of all the Daytona dials. Paul Newman wore his Rolex Daytona everyday after it was given to him by his wife Joanne Woodward. It had an inscription on the back side of the case that read “Drive Carefully Me”. While many of these models came with the oyster band, Paul Newman wore his on a leather military style strap. He wore this watch through his racing career until 1984 when he replaced it with model number 6263. After he received his new Daytona, also a gift from his he gifted his original Daytona to his daughters boyfriend James Cox. His new Daytona had the inscription “Drive Slowly Joanne”.
Rolex Daytona Models
Series One "Pre-Daytona"
Rolex Daytona Reference #6239
Caliber 722 or Rolex Caliber 722-1. Manual Wind.
Stainless Steel Oyster Case and Oyster Band
Black main dial with off white sub dials
1963-1969
Rolex “Pre-Daytona” Reference #6240
Caliber 722 or Rolex Caliber 722-1. Manual Wind.
Stainless Steel Oyster Case and Oyster Band
Silver metallic dial with black sub dials.
1965-1969
Rolex Daytona Reference #6241
Caliber 722 or Rolex Caliber 722-1. Manual Wind
Stainless Steel Oyster Case and Oyster Band
Silver metallic dial with black sub dials.
1965-1969
Rolex Daytona Reference #6262
Caliber 722 or Rolex Caliber 722-1. Manual Wind
Stainless Steel Oyster Case and Oyster Band
Silver metallic dial with black sub dials.
1970
Rolex Daytona Reference #6263
The Daytona reference 6263 is considered by many to be one of the most exquisite and desirable vintage Daytona references of all time. The defining characteristic of the reference Daytona 6263 is its deep black, acrylic bezel with tachymeter scale. Throughout Daytona’s long history, most references were fitted with metallic bezels; however the black acrylic bezel on the reference 6263 adds a beautiful onyx black color ring around the face of the watch, significantly changing its look and giving it a slightly larger overall appearance. The reference 6263 “Big Red” gets its name from the bright red “Daytona” that appears right in the middle of the dial, made more pronounced not only with a vibrant red, but with a larger than normal font. Not all of the reference 6263 Rolex’s had the distinctive red “Daytona” on them. Depending on the year of production and style of dial that was fitted to the watch, some of the reference 6263 Daytona’s didn’t have the “Daytona” printed on them at all. Additionally, even among those that do have the red “Daytona” name on them, the size of the font can vary, which is the reason for the “Big Red” versus “Small Red” distinction that is frequently mentioned within Rolex collecting groups. Part of what makes the reference 6263 so collectible is the fact that it is a perfect blend of modern and vintage Rolex chronograph characteristics. It comes with a screw down crown and chronograph pushers, something that only modern Rolex references have, however its 37-millimeter case diameter, manually wound Valjoux movement, and acrylic crystal make it undeniable that this was meant to visualize a more vintage timepiece.
Caliber 727 Manual Wind.
Stainless Steel Oyster Case and Oyster Band
White dial with black sub dials.
1965-1969
Rolex Daytona Reference 16523
Before the invention of the internal cal. 4130 Perpetual movement, the Daytona used the cal. 4030. This movement is often referred to by collectors as the Zenith El Primero and is widely sought after amongst knowledgeable used Rolex enthusiasts. The movement was famously produced in Zenith’s factory, which was then modified by Rolex to beat at a rate of 28,800 beats per hour and to remove the date aperture. The Daytona reference 16523 is the steel and gold version of the Zenith Daytona that has a bezel with a Tachymeter calibrated to 400 units, 3 chronograph registers on the dial, and a vintage 3 link Oyster bracelet.
Caliber 722 or Rolex Caliber 722-1.
Stainless Steel Oyster Case and Oyster Band
Silver metallic dial with black sub dials.
1965-1969
Rolex Daytona Reference 116520
The Rolex Daytona first gained popularity when actor Paul Newman was seen wearing one when he started his career as a race car driver. Named after Daytona Beach, Florida and its racing scene, the Daytona Rolex ref. 116520 offers an unusual combo of technologies including automatic winding technology, Rolex chronograph, 44 jewel movement, and time measurement tools that allow for extremely precise lap timing.
Caliber 722 or Rolex Caliber 722-1.
Stainless Steel Oyster Case and Oyster Band
Silver metallic dial with black sub dials.
1965-1969
Rolex Daytona Reference# 116509
The newer Daytona ref. 116509 isn’t like any other Daytona in the Rolex catalog. From the bezel down to the Oysterlock clasp, the entire outer case of this men’s sports watch is crafted from flawless 18 karat white gold. While still maintaining a masculine and powerful fit on the wrist because of the 40mm Oyster case and three link oyster bracelet, the Daytona’s rare all gold finish earns it a place amongst some of the most luxurious timepieces in the Rolex catalog.
Rolex Daytona Reference# 116500LN
From the moment the Daytona reference 116500LN first hit the stage at Baselworld, You couldn’t make it 20 feet through the halls without hearing someone talking about the new ceramic bezel Daytona. Both of the white and black dial variants feature a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel with a Tachymeter scale etched into it, as has been present throughout the history of the model. This simple change makes a huge impact to the overall look of the watch when compared to the previous Daytona ref. 16520, both by adding a color that’s very contrasting to the case, as well as making the bezel more reflective than it has ever been before.
The Legendary Rolex Daytona: Race into Timeless Precision at Ace Watch Company
As Houston's premier used Rolex dealer, Ace Watch Company invites you to explore the iconic Rolex Cosmograph Daytona—a symbol of speed and sophistication since 1963. Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast or collector, our certified pre-owned selection delivers exceptional value in 2025's market.
A Brief History of the Rolex Daytona
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was introduced in 1963 as a precision chronograph designed for professional race drivers, earning its name in 1965 after the Daytona International Speedway.
Over decades, innovations like the screw-down pushers for water resistance and ceramic bezels have refined its racing heritage, making it a staple at events from Le Mans to Houston's Grand Prix scene.
Key Features and Current Rolex Daytona Models
The modern Rolex Daytona features a 40 mm Oystersteel case, water resistance to 100 meters, tachymetric scale bezel for speed calculation, and the advanced Caliber 4131 movement with 72-hour power reserve and Chronergy escapement for superior efficiency.
- Daytona Ref. 116500LN (Steel): Black or white dial, no date—racer's choice. Retail: $15,500; used averages $32,000 in October 2025.
- Daytona Ref. 116515LN (Rose Gold): Exotic dials available, versatile for dress or track. Used from $47,000.
- Vintage Models: Refs like 6239 or 6263 offer patina and collector appeal with manual movements.
At Ace Watch Company, we authenticate and service every pre-owned Rolex Daytona to factory specs.
Why Buy a Used Rolex Daytona in Houston?
With waitlists exceeding two years for new Daytonas amid 2025's softened secondary market—where steel models trade at premiums but below 2022 peaks—a certified pre-owned piece from Ace Watch provides instant gratification.
The Investment Value of Rolex Daytona Watches
In 2025, the Rolex Daytona shines as an investment, with average secondary prices at $32,000 and select vintages like Paul Newman's reaching millions—far outpacing the market's 5-10% correction.
Tips for Purchasing a Used Rolex Daytona
Choose a vetted Houston dealer like Ace Watch Company—operating since 1997 with A+ BBB and 4.7 Google ratings. Inspect for authenticity (engraved rehaut, serial numbers), completeness, and service history. Demand a warranty to cover chronograph functions. Our experts ensure every Daytona is pristine and authenticated.
Accelerate your collection today! Contact Ace Watch Company at 713-521-4444 or visit 1330 Westheimer Rd for your certified pre-owned Rolex Daytona.