The Rolex Daytona: Colourful Chronographs from the Sotheby's Archive

For many enthusiasts and collectors, the iconic Rolex Daytona is generally associated with its instantly recognizable black or white dials ("Panda"), often paired with a metal bracelet or leather strap. However, over the decades, Rolex has ventured into bolder and brighter territory, experimenting with striking dial and strap colors that challenge traditional expectations. This guide highlights five Rolex Daytona timepieces from the Sotheby’s archive that have captured the attention of collectors seeking a more vibrant and playful interpretation of this legendary luxury sports watch.

This Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Beach Reference 116519 was sold in October 2024 for 660,000 HKD during the Important Watches I sale in Hong Kong.

Perhaps the most striking Rolex Daytona Beach model featured in this collection, this 2006 edition boasts a sky-blue turquoise dial encased in an 18k white gold case, complemented by a matching blue lizard strap. The Roman numeral hour markers, alongside black lacquer-filled rectangular quarterly hour markers, create a striking contrast against the bright turquoise, producing a bold yet harmonious design. Accompanied by its original Rolex Guarantee, blue leather holder, and blue presentation box, this watch had been preserved in excellent condition. The rare combination of a turquoise dial with a white gold case made this Daytona an eye-catching example that garnered significant collector interest.

This Rolex Daytona Reference 16519 was sold in September 2023 for 27,940 USD.

Originally produced in 1997, this Rolex Daytona demonstrates the brand’s ability to blend precious materials with bold strap colors to create striking designs. The 18k white gold case houses a delicate pink mother-of-pearl dial, imparting a unique softness to the watch’s aesthetic. Powered by the Caliber 4030 automatic movement—a testament to Rolex’s use of Zenith-based chronograph movements before transitioning to in-house calibers—this piece stands out for its craftsmanship and historical significance.

The combination of pink tones and white gold delivers a distinctive yet elegant look. Pink mother-of-pearl dials are particularly rare, further enhancing this watch’s desirability among Rolex Daytona collectors.

This Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Beach Reference 116519 was sold for 384,000 HKD in October 2024 as part of Sotheby’s Important Watches auction.

Featuring a yellow mother-of-pearl dial, this watch injects a burst of vibrant color into the traditionally monochromatic Rolex Daytona lineup. Encased in 18k white gold and paired with a yellow lizard strap, its aesthetics perfectly encapsulate the carefree spirit of the beach. The white gold Roman numeral hour markers offer a crisp contrast to the yellow dial, balancing playfulness with sophistication. Retaining its original presentation box and warranty, this watch remains a highly desirable piece for collectors.

This Rolex Daytona Beach Reference 116519 sold for 63,500 CHF in May 2023 as part of Sotheby’s 2022 Important Watches II auction in Geneva.

Another stunning example from the Rolex Daytona Beach series, this timepiece is distinguished by its exceptionally rare green chalcedony dial. Encased in 18k white gold, the dial’s smooth, translucent stone imparts an earthy yet luxurious quality to the watch’s overall design. The accompanying 40mm lizard strap enhances its unique character, making it a highly coveted collector’s piece from the colorful Rolex Daytona Beach lineup.

This Rolex Daytona Zenith Reference 16519 was sold in Geneva for 48,260 CHF during the May 2024 Important Watches II sale.

A rare and refined example from the final production run of Rolex Daytona Zenith models, this 2000-era timepiece features a pink mother-of-pearl dial paired with diamond indexes. The delicate and complex process involved in crafting mother-of-pearl dials makes this watch particularly valuable, as Rolex reserves such intricate materials for its most exclusive designs.

The P-serial number indicates that this Rolex Daytona was among the last to feature the Zenith Caliber 4030, marking the end of an era before Rolex introduced its in-house movements. The 18k white gold case further enhances its exclusivity, cementing its status as a prized collector’s item.

While the Rolex Daytona was originally designed as a motorsport chronograph, it has evolved into a canvas for vibrant experimentation and artistic expression. Through bold strap selections, colorful dials, and the incorporation of precious metals, Rolex has demonstrated that even an iconic sports watch can embrace playful aesthetics without compromising its storied heritage. The five examples highlighted in this article illustrate how the Rolex Daytona can appeal to collectors who appreciate both technical excellence and daring design. Whether through striking gemstone dials, mother-of-pearl finishes, or vividly colored straps, these watches represent the adventurous side of Rolex while maintaining the Daytona’s status as a legendary timepiece.

Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of Rolex watches from its long established global network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers sought-after Rolex watches, from iconic classics to rare, collectible editions. Our watch specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable Rolex models from collectors around the world.

Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase Rolex watches, including online and in person at our locations in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris, and London. We also provide a concierge service to help source specific Rolex models not available online.

While authorized Rolex boutiques offer their latest collections, finding specific models—especially those with strong collector demand—can be challenging due to availability constraints. Sotheby’s presents a curated selection of Rolex watches, including rare and discontinued references, available for purchase without the need to visit multiple retailers. Shopping with Sotheby’s ensures access to exceptional Rolex timepieces, from vintage icons to modern grail watches, all authenticated by experts.

One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the chance to discover unique, limited-production Rolex watches no longer available at retail. Our curated selection of Rolex watches is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.

Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest Rolex watches available for immediate purchase, as well as through auctions held in New York, Paris, Zurich, and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Rolex models in every sale, including iconic pieces like the Daytona, GMT-Master, Submariner, and more in exceptional condition. Sotheby’s auctions feature an array of Rolex timepieces, ranging from elegant vintage models to contemporary masterpieces, showcasing the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship and innovation.

Prices for Rolex watches start around $10,000 for simpler models like the Datejust and rise significantly for highly sought-after pieces. Iconic models such as the Day-Date and Daytona often command starting prices of $50,000, while rare collectible editions can exceed $200,000.

• Explore upcoming watch auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
• Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
• Contact a Watch Specialist about selling a Rolex Daytona Panda watch. 

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