Short description

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116505-0012 pairs a 40 mm Everose gold case and bracelet with a Sundust sunray dial set with baguette-cut diamond hour markers, creating one of the most luxurious interpretations of the modern Daytona. Powered by the in-house automatic Calibre 4130 with a 72-hour power reserve, full chronograph functionality and 100 m water resistance, this discontinued reference brings together serious technical performance and high-jewellery aesthetics in a single rose-gold sports chronograph.

Full description

Overview

The Cosmograph Daytona has long been Rolex’s flagship chronograph, and the reference 116505-0012 in Everose gold with a Sundust dial and baguette-cut diamond hour markers sits at the very top end of that family. Crafted entirely in 18 ct Everose gold – Rolex’s proprietary rose-gold alloy – and fitted with an Oyster bracelet, this model combines the robust architecture of the Daytona with an undeniably opulent dial execution.

With its 40 mm case, Sundust sunray-finished dial, diamond-set hour markers and in-house Calibre 4130 automatic chronograph movement, the watch offers both everyday reliability and the kind of visual impact that makes it instantly recognisable among collectors. The fact that the 116505 family was discontinued in 2023 only adds to its long-term appeal.

Design & wrist presence

The 40 mm Everose gold case sits in the sweet spot for a modern sports chronograph: compact enough for daily wear, but with clear presence on the wrist. The signature Oyster case construction, screw-down pushers and Triplock crown underline that this is still a functional tool watch at heart, despite the precious metal and diamonds.

The Sundust dial – a warm, sunray-brushed tone between champagne, pink and bronze – forms the backdrop for:

• Applied baguette-cut diamond hour markers, adding brilliance and depth to the dial without overwhelming it

• Three chronograph sub-dials for elapsed hours, minutes and small seconds

• Polished Everose hands with luminous fill for legibility in low light

The engraved Everose gold bezel with tachymetric scale completes the classic Daytona look, allowing timing of average speeds and reinforcing the model’s motorsport heritage.

On the wrist, the watch is anchored by the solid Everose gold Oyster bracelet with folding clasp, giving a substantial, reassuring weight. The mix of brushed and polished surfaces, together with the warm hue of Everose and the sparkle of the baguette diamonds, makes this Daytona impossible to mistake for anything else.

Movement & performance

Inside the 116505-0012 is the in-house Rolex Calibre 4130, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement developed specifically for the Daytona. It features:

• A column wheel and vertical clutch for smooth, precise chronograph engagement

• A 72-hour power reserve in standard use, thanks to an optimised mainspring and efficient architecture

• Operating frequency of 28,800 vph (4 Hz)

• Approximately 44 jewels and a simplified, highly efficient component layout

Functions include:

• Central hours and minutes

• Small seconds at 6 o’clock

• Central chronograph seconds hand accurate to 1/8th of a second

• 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock

• 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock

The watch is rated to 100 m / 10 bar water resistance, meaning it is more than capable of handling everyday water exposure and even swimming, provided the crown and pushers are properly secured.

Discontinued reference & collectability

The Daytona 116505 line was discontinued in 2023, when Rolex introduced the new 1265xx generation. As with many discontinued gold Daytonas, this has focused collector attention on the outgoing references, especially those with distinctive dial configurations like the Sundust dial with baguette-cut diamond hour markers.

For buyers who want:

• a full Everose gold Daytona,

• a factory diamond-set dial, and

• a reference no longer in current production,

the 116505-0012 sits in a particularly desirable niche.

Who is this watch for?

This reference is ideal for:

• Clients who want an Everose gold Daytona that clearly stands apart from steel and standard dial variants

• Collectors looking for a discontinued modern Daytona with strong long-term desirability

• Enthusiasts who appreciate the combination of technical calibre 4130 performance and a high-jewellery dial execution

• Buyers who prefer a watch that can serve as both a daily statement piece and a standout option for events and evenings

Benefits

• Full Everose gold execution (case, bezel, bracelet) for a warm, modern precious-metal presence

• Sundust dial with baguette-cut diamond hour markers, balancing sportiness and high jewellery

• In-house Calibre 4130 automatic chronograph with 72-hour power reserve and refined column-wheel / vertical-clutch architecture

• 40 mm Oyster case with 100 m water resistance and screw-down pushers for robust, real-world usability

• Discontinued reference, increasing long-term interest among Daytona collectors

• Closed caseback and solid construction in line with Rolex’s tool-watch roots, despite the luxury materials

Use cases

• Daily luxury sports watch – a chronograph that can handle everyday life while making a clear statement on the wrist

• Business and formal wear – Everose gold and baguette diamonds pair naturally with tailored clothing and evening environments

• Special events and occasions – a high-impact piece that reads immediately as a top-tier modern Rolex

• Collection cornerstone – for many, a full Everose Daytona is a natural anchor piece in a Rolex-focused or mixed high-end collection

FAQ

Q1: What makes the Sundust baguette-diamond dial special on this Daytona 116505-0012?

A1: The Sundust dial features a subtle sunray finish in a warm champagne-pink tone, which is then set with baguette-cut diamond hour markers. This combination adds depth, light play and a high-jewellery character that sharply distinguishes it from standard index or numeral dials.

Q2: Is the Rolex Daytona 116505 discontinued?

A2: Yes. The 116505 family was discontinued in 2023 when Rolex introduced the updated 126505 and related references. This means the 116505-0012 is no longer available as a current-catalog model, which is an important factor for collectors tracking discontinued Daytonas.

Q3: How robust is this watch for everyday wear?

A3: Despite its full Everose gold construction and diamond dial, the watch retains all the core Daytona specs: 100 m water resistance, screw-down crown and pushers, solid Oyster case and bracelet, and the proven reliability of Calibre 4130. It is designed to be worn, not just stored.

Q4: How does the 72-hour power reserve work in daily use?

A4: With approximately 72 hours of power reserve, you can take the watch off on Friday evening and still find it running on Monday, assuming it was fully wound. This makes rotation with other pieces easier and reduces the need for constant resetting.

Q5: Does this watch come with box and papers?

A5: This watch is offered as a full set with box and papers.

Q6: Can I see the watch in person or via video?

A6: Absolutely, you can make an appointment at any time by submitting the form below or contact us via WhatsApp or phone call at +971585251224.