Today we will be introducing luxury watch parts: dial variations - Daytona SS model and combination model .
Luxury watch dials come in a wide variety of colors, materials, designs, etc. for each model. The types range from simple ones to ones decorated with jewels, and there are probably many dials that you don't even know exist.
So, over several posts, we will be introducing the wide variety of dials available from Rolex's Submariner, GMT Master, Yacht-Master, Daytona, Datejust, and Day-Date, along with some of their most popular models, focusing on color, material, and design.
This is the fourth time we will be introducing the overwhelmingly popular " Daytona "!! However, there are so many variations that we can't introduce them all in one post. So, first we will introduce the dials on the SS (stainless steel) model and the combination model. Please enjoy until the end.
SS (stainless steel) model
①Black Dial
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/vintage_rolex/daytona-324936/
This classic black dial has been used since the Daytona was launched in 1963, and there are many variations depending on the year of production. The four-digit Daytona has a large "DAYTONA" marking at 6 o'clock, commonly known as the "Big Logo", the five-digit Daytona has a faded brown (tropical) sub-dial called "Patrizzi", and the rare double name with Tiffany & Co. are especially highly rated. It is a very deep dial, and one that collectors love.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-341010/
②White Dial
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-327747/
This five-digit Daytona model was added to the lineup of regular models, and there are many variations depending on the year of production. Among them, the "four lines" with four lines of lettering at the 12 o'clock position seen in the early "Ref.16520", the so-called "porcelain" dial with its attractive enamel-like texture, and the "Ref.116520" with its cream (ivory) colored dial are all highly acclaimed. It is a dial that is purely cool in design and has a high level of asset value, so it is one of the dials that we are looking forward to seeing in the future.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-el-primero-293010/
③Silver Dial
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/vintage_rolex/daytona-234447/
This dial, which was only used on the 4-digit SS (stainless steel) model "Daytona," has several variations depending on the year of manufacture, including the "big logo" with a large "DAYTONA" marking at the 6 o'clock position, the "no logo" used on early models, and the "small logo" with a small "DAYTONA" marking used as a replacement when replaced by Rolex Japan. This popular dial has a beautiful sunburst silver x black contrast.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/vintage_rolex/daytona-217783/
④Exotic Dial
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/vintage_rolex/daytona-635/
Known for being a favorite of actor and racer Paul Newman, this rare dial is called an exotic dial, and is also known as the "Paul Newman" dial. Its main features are the dial circumference with scales drawn in reverse color and the sub-dial with a unique font design. Nowadays, it is almost only seen at overseas auctions, and it has become a rare piece that sells for a high price every time it is put up for auction. Incidentally, at an auction held at Phillips in October 2017, Paul Newman's personal "White Paul" was put up for auction, and it was sold for a record price of 17.75 million US dollars (about 2 billion yen at the time). Considering its future asset value, it is a must-have watch.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/vintage_rolex/daytona-264989/
Combination Model
①Black Dial
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-el-primero-336056/
This five-digit Daytona model was added to the lineup of regular models, and features a gold sub-dial that is unique to combination models. As the model has evolved, the design itself has become more refined, and while the outer periphery of the sub-dial of the Ref. 16523 was entirely gold, the successor model, the Ref. 116523, has been changed to a design in which only the edges of the sub-dial are gold . If you are looking for a watch that is both flashy and manly, why not choose this dial?
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-333220/
②White Dial
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-332741/
This model, which joined the lineup of regular models with the 5-digit "Daytona", had a black outer circumference on the in-dial from around 1988 (R series) to around 1993 (S series), but has since been changed to gold. The early "Ref.16523" models have four lines of lettering at the 12 o'clock position, commonly known as "porcelain", with an attractive enamel-like texture, and the "Ref.116523" has a cream (ivory) colored dial, which has become highly acclaimed and is an asset. If you are looking for high design and asset value, why not choose a model with this dial?
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-el-primero-290642/
③Black dial (8P diamond)
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-167659/
This model features 8P diamonds on the index, and the addition of diamonds to the black dial gives it a more dazzling look. The diamonds set in the dial are the same, but the specifications of the subdials change for each model. The 5-digit "Ref. 16523" has an all-matte gold outer periphery of the subdials, while the 6-digit "Ref. 116503G" has a glittering sunburst gold color, making this a model with an interesting transition in design.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-801/
④ White dial (8P diamond)
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-643/
This model features 8P diamonds on the index, and the addition of diamonds to the white dial gives it a more luxurious impression. It is a beautiful design that will appeal to both men and women looking for a dressy model, so we recommend that you try it on for yourself. Although it will be sadly removed from the lineup in 2023, it is a popular dial that we hope will be revived in the future.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-322803/
⑤Champagne dial
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-el-primero-289635/
This five-digit Daytona model was added to the lineup of regular models, and while the "Ref. 16523" had a black sub-dial, the sub-dial has since been changed to the same gold as the dial color. The impression of the dial is also significantly different, so it's best to see it for yourself before purchasing.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-229427/
⑥Champagne x Black Dial
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-799/
This distinctive color scheme features a champagne dial with black subdials and a red chronograph hand. It was first installed on the "Ref. 116523," but it is a rare dial that was said to have never been stocked at domestic authorized stores. (It seems to have been sold from the successor model "Ref. 116503.") With an elegant and sporty look, it is easy to match with casual styles. Since it was discontinued in 2023, it is one of the dials to look forward to in the future.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-799/
⑦Black x Champagne Dial
*Source: https://watchchest.com/rolex-cosmograph-daytona-116523-320.html
This dial, which has the reversed color scheme we introduced earlier, was also first installed on the "Ref. 116523," but it is a rare dial that is said to have never been stocked at domestic authorized stores. (It seems that this dial was also sold from the successor model "Ref. 116503.") It will be discontinued in 2023, so it is another dial that we are looking forward to seeing in the future.
・"Daytona" "Ref. 116523"
*Source: https://watchchest.com/rolex-cosmograph-daytona-116523-320.html
⑧ Champagne dial (8P diamond)
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-el-primero-267497/
This watch features a champagne dial with 8P diamonds on the index, giving it a luxurious look. The "Ref. 16523G" had a black sub-dial, but subsequent models have changed it to gold, adding to its glamor. This is an attractive dial that will be discontinued in 2023, but we hope it will be revived.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-223694/
⑨Gray Dial
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-172310/
This dial, which uses a sunray-like gray, has an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. It was included in the lineup of "Ref.16523", "Ref.116523", and "Ref.116503", but it is one of the lesser known dials due to its low circulation, and is quietly attracting attention .
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-291261/
10. Blue Arabic Dial
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-157315/
This model features a blue dial with large Arabic numerals. It was part of a six-digit combination model lineup, but was discontinued after the "Ref. 116503". The red accents on the register and the "DAYTONA" lettering make the watch stand out against the calm blue color. This dial is popular for its unusual color, which is different from the traditional "Daytona" model, and is rarely seen on the secondary market.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-157315/
⑪ White Arabic Dial
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-317223/
This dial features large Arabic numerals on a white dial. It was part of a six-digit combination model lineup, but the dial is no longer in production. It is also known as the "panda dial" due to its appearance, and is a popular design that is rarely seen on the secondary market. This dial is recommended for those who want to wear it a little more casually.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-317223/
⑫Shell Arabic Dial
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-772/
This watch features Arabic numerals on a natural shell dial, giving it a sporty yet elegant design. Its greatest feature is that the shell emits unique colors depending on the amount of light and how it hits the watch, giving it a variety of different expressions . It is one of the attractive dials that is attracting attention for its future development, as it is rarely available on the secondary market and has already been discontinued.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-772/
⑬Shell Roman Dial
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-317218/
This watch features a natural shell dial with applied Roman numerals, and is available in two types, black shell and yellow shell , starting with the six-digit model. The use of a shell dial and Roman indexes on the sporty Daytona adds a sense of luxury and elegance, giving it a slightly different atmosphere. The yellow shell in particular is becoming less common, so if you see one, we recommend that you grab it without hesitation.
*Source: https://www.collectors1946.com/products/papers-rolex-daytona-factory-champagne-mop-dial-116518-18k-yellow-gold-watch-1
⑭Shell dial (8P diamond)
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-302656/
This natural shell dial with 8P diamonds is available as a 5-digit model, and comes in two types: white shell and black shell. The white shell gives a noble impression, while the black shell gives a seductive atmosphere, so you can choose the one that suits your outfit and the occasion. This dial is recommended for those looking for a watch that stands out from the crowd with its unique atmosphere .
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-486/
summary
What did you think.
The SS (stainless steel) models were equipped with relatively conventional features, but there are differences in specifications depending on the year of manufacture, and many dials have a completely different feel over time. On the other hand, the combination models have a wide variety of dials, many with gorgeous coloring. Both are attractive, so some people may have trouble deciding, but when it comes to luxury watches, it's best to see them in person. If you're in the area, please stop by Commit Ginza.
Once again, we hope this article helps you find your favorite luxury watch.
see you!