Pre-Owned
Rolex Daytona Watches

The Rolex Daytona is a legendary timepiece with a rich history and significant evolution since its inception. Its origins can be traced back to the early 1960s when Rolex formed a partnership with the renowned Daytona International Speedway. This collaboration led to the creation of a chronograph aimed at professional racing drivers, hence the name “Daytona”.

That said, the inaugural model, reference 6239, which was unveiled in 1963, was initially advertised as the Rolex “Le Mans” for reasons that remain unknown. By 1964, Rolex had re-named it “Daytona”, the name it has been known by ever since.

An early version of the Daytona was famously owned by the Hollywood actor Paul Newman. His personal watch, a gift from his wife, was sold in 2017 for over $17.7m, setting a world record for the highest-priced wristwatch ever sold at auction. This undoubtedly escalated the Daytona’s desirability even further.

The Daytona has reached several significant milestones in its evolution. It began life as a manual-wind watch, with movements sourced from the famous chronograph manufacturer, Valjoux.

In 1988, Rolex unveiled the first self-winding version, equipped with the Caliber 4030 movement— sourced from Swiss rival Zenith and heavily modified. This marked a huge advancement in the watch's functionality.

A further milestone in the Daytona's evolution was in 2000 with the launch of the in-house Caliber 4130 movement. This was entirely developed by Rolex and featured a vertical clutch mechanism, enhancing the watch's precision and reliability.

The Rolex Daytona has made a profound impact on the watchmaking industry. Its blend of exceptional craftsmanship, timeless design, and association with motorsports has made it a favourite among watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

In terms of design, the Rolex Daytona is a work of art. The standard contemporary version boasts a beautiful stainless-steel 40mm case, giving it a robust and masculine appearance. The dial is available in a variety of colours, including black, white, and champagne, allowing you to choose one that best complements your style.

The bezel is engraved with a tachymetric scale, enabling accurate speed measurements. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal safeguards the dial, ensuring durability and longevity. The watch has a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, so you don't have to worry about winding it frequently.

Its chronograph function allows for precise measurement of elapsed time. The pushers on either side of the crown facilitate easy control of the chronograph, adding to the watch's functionality.

Modern Daytonas are water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it suitable for various activities, including swimming and snorkeling. With its sturdy construction and precision engineering, the Daytona is a timepiece you can depend on.

These days the Daytona is available in various materials and editions, each with unique features and characteristics. From the classic stainless-steel model to the luxurious gold and diamond-set editions, such as the “Rainbow” edition, there is a Daytona to suit every preference. In 2023 Rolex introduced the first Daytona with an exhibition caseback, enabling you to view the movement within.

Whether you prefer a classic and understated look or a more luxurious and striking style, Watchfinder has a huge selection of pre-owned Rolex Daytonas to choose from.