No Watches and Wonders is ever complete without releasing a few fresh Daytona models in precious metals, and 2025 was no different.
This year, Rolex presented quite a handful of new models, like the important Land-Dweller collection, a new white gold and green ceramic dial for GMT-Master II ‘Sprite’, a fantastic new Settimo bracelet for the 1908 collection and a bold take on the Daytona with yellow gold and a Turquoise lacquered dial.
Interestingly, this wasn’t the only new iteration of this emblematic chronograph model joining the lineup. Rolex silently dropped seven other references to the Daytona that no one is talking about. However, the secret has not been hidden deep, as you can find them all on the brand’s official website. Yet, the brand should have been a bit louder about it.
All 7 new references, except for the Turquoise dial model, are revamped editions of classics, which means we’re looking at familiar models with the latest technology, updated design and case dimensions, new dial layout, and refined bezels.
What We Have?
- 1 ‘Tiffany Blue’ dial version
- 3 new Meteorite dials in three classic gold colours worn on rubber bracelets
- 1 White gold and Blue dial edition
- 2 new Chocolate dials for the Everose gold edition
- 1 new ‘John Mayer’ version
Let’s break them all down.
Daytona in Yellow Gold With ‘Turquoise’ Dial, Ref: 126518LN
Here’s starting off with the new model you probably have heard too much about already. This model gives off a ‘Daytona Beach’ and Tudor ‘Flamingo Blue’ vibe, and we’re all for it.
The Reference 126518LN is the most popular Daytona release this year. It is crafted in yellow gold with a black ceramic Cerachrom bezel, a lacquered turquoise dial, and an Oysterflex rubber strap.
The turquoise blue dial is enhanced with black-snailed counters, yellow gold-applied hour markers, and hands with a Chromalight display. This striking contrast of colours creates a well-balanced aesthetic.
This model’s entire appearance is bold, flashy, and definitely unapologetic. While yellow gold and turquoise pairing is already quite something, the Oysterflex strap adds durability and comfort for all-day wear. For the right collector, it’s a dream Daytona.
Core Specifications:
- Model: 126518LN
- Case Size: 40mm
- Material: 18ct Yellow Gold
- Bezel: Black Monobloc Cerachrom Bezel in Ceramic with Tachymetric Scale
- Dial: Turquoise blue & black
- Bracelet: Oysterflex
- Movement: Calibre 4131, Automatic
- Power Reserve: 70 hours
- Water-Resistance: 100 metres
Daytona With 3 ‘Meteorite’ Dials For Each Gold
We’re probably most happy to see the meteorite dials return this year. We get three new meteorite dials in the three classic gold colours: Yellow (Ref. 126518LN), White (Ref: 126519LN), and Everose (Ref: 126515LN).
Meteorite is derived from the heart of an asteroid or a planet that has exploded. It throws material across the Solar System until; chance brings it to our planet’s orbit. During its journey, the meteorite transforms gradually, producing unique patterns.
Rolex designers have created similar unusual metallic patterns on the ‘Meteorite’ dials as seen on the real ones, which makes these dials so extraordinary. And, although they share the same design and visual compositions, the dials have slimmer markers with ‘Panda’-style sub-dials.
All three models are worn on rubber bracelets and include a new metal-framed ceramic bezel.
Core Specifications:
- Model: 126518LN (Yellow Gold), 126519LN (White Gold), 126515LN (Everose Gold)
- Case Size: 40mm
- Material: 18ct Yellow Gold/ White Gold/Everose Gold
- Bezel: Black Monobloc Cerachrom Bezel In Ceramic with Tachymetric Scale
- Dial: Meteorite & Black
- Bracelet: Oysterflex
- Movement: Calibre 4131, Automatic
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Water-Resistance: 100 metres
Daytona in White Gold With Bright Blue Dial, Ref: 126509
The white gold Daytona Reference 126509 with a blue dial is a timeless classic and incredibly versatile. This new edition looks flamboyant in full white gold—case, bezel, and bracelet—with a bright blue dial featuring matching snailed counters. It is further accentuated by white gold applied hour markers and hands with a Chromalight display.
Core Specifications:
- Model: 126509
- Case Size: 40mm
- Material: 18ct White Gold
- Bezel: 18ct White Gold with engraved Tachymetric scale
- Dial: Bright Blue
- Bracelet: 18ct White Gold, Oyster
- Movement: Calibre 4131, Automatic
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Water-Resistance: 100 metres
Daytona in Everose Gold with Chocolate Brown Dials
Here, two new Everose gold references share the same sunray-brushed chocolate colour dial.
The Everose gold Daytona with Ref.126505 comes on a matching Oyster bracelet with a metal bezel. The Ref.126515LN is worn on an Oysterflex rubber bracelet and has a black ceramic bezel.
The brown dial is complemented by black chronograph counters framed by a gold strip and gold hour markers and hands, adding just the right amount of contrast to the classic models. While this colourway has appeared in the past, this is the first time it’s seen on the Daytona format.
Core Specifications:
- Model: 126505 & 126515LN
- Case Size: 40mm
- Material: 18ct Everose Gold
- Bezel: Black Monobloc Cerachrom bezel in Ceramic with Tachymetric scale (126515LN) & 18ct Everose Gold with engraved Tachymetric scale (126505)
- Dial: Bright chocolate & black
- Bracelet: 18ct Everose Gold, Oyster / Black Oysterflex
- Movement: Calibre 4131, Automatic
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Water-Resistance: 100 metres
Daytona in Yellow Gold with ‘John Mayer’ Dial, Ref: 126508
The iconic ‘John Mayer’ Daytona makes a strong comeback in 2025 but with some significant updates.
This Rolex ‘John Mayer’ Daytona Ref. 126508 is made of 18ct yellow gold, has a bright green dial, and is on an Oyster bracelet. It has an 18ct yellow gold bezel with a tachymetric scale.
What remains the same is the classic combination of 18ct yellow gold with a green dial, but the green used here is comparatively lighter, with gold-toned chronograph sub-counters rather than green. While it’s a small change, the contrast between gold and green enhances the outlook. Accompanying the dial are slimmer hands, indexes, sub-dial rings, and tracks.
Core Specifications:
- Model: 126508
- Case Size: 40mm
- Material: 18ct Yellow Gold
- Bezel: 18ct Yellow Gold with engraved Tachymetric scale
- Dial: Bright green & golden
- Bracelet: 18ct Yellow Gold, Oyster
- Movement: Calibre 4131, Automatic
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Water-Resistance: 100 metres
Parting Thoughts
Rolex’s keenness to expand the Daytona line makes sense, as this chronograph is one of the most sought-after watches on the market. Daytona lovers are enthralled with the solid releases this year, including the return of an out-of-this-world material.
All the eight new Daytona references launched for 2025 adapt to a formula defined by enduring aesthetic codes, precise craftsmanship and elevated material use, giving collectors and enthusiasts plenty to do the talking year-round.
