Luxury Watch Parts Introduction ~Dial Variations~ Daytona Yellow Gold Model

Today we will be introducing luxury watch parts: dial variations - Daytona yellow gold 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.

Following on from the last time, this is the fifth installment of our series and we would like to introduce the dials of the overwhelmingly popular " Daytona " 18KYG (yellow gold) models. Please enjoy until the end.

18KYG (yellow gold) model

①Black Dial

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/vintage_rolex/daytona-2/

This classic dial uses gold for the subdials, which is unique to 18KYG (yellow gold) models. As the models have evolved, the design itself has become more refined, with the entire subdial in gold on the "Ref. 6263/8", only the outer circumference on the "Ref. 16528", and the successors "Ref. 116528" and "Ref. 116508" using gold only on the edges of the subdial. 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-el-primero-318373/

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-173/

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-296794/

*Source: https://www.rolex.com/ja/watches/cosmograph-daytona

②White Dial

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-795/

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.16528", the so-called "porcelain" with its attractive enamel-like texture, and the "Ref.116528" with a cream (ivory) dial are highly acclaimed. In addition, there have been no major design changes, but from around 1988 (R series) to around 1993 (S series), the outer circumference of the sub-dial was black, and since then, it has been changed to gold color. Unlike the black dial, one of the points is that the design of the sub-dial has been inherited.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-el-primero-275586/

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-339018/

*Source: https://www.ap-watches.com/en/rolex-cosmograph-daytona-116508-yellow-gold

*Source: https://www.rolex.com/ja/watches/cosmograph-daytona

3. Exotic Dial

*Source: https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6367558

This rare dial, known as an exotic dial, is characterized by the dial periphery with scales drawn in reverse color and the sub-dials with a unique font design. There are two types: yellow dial x black sub-dial (commonly known as "Lemon Pole") and black dial x yellow sub-dial (commonly known as "John Player Special"), but both are rarely seen except at overseas auctions, and are rare pieces that sell for high prices every time they are put up for sale.

*Source: https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6185889

④Black dial (8P diamond)

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-el-primero-310687/

This model features 8P diamonds on the index, and the addition of diamonds to the black dial gives it a more dazzling look. The specifications of the subdials change for each model, with the 5-digit "Ref.16528G" and 6-digit "Ref.116508G" having all gold on the outer periphery of the subdials, while the 6-digit "Ref.116528G" and "Ref.116518LNG" have gold only on the edges of the subdials, making this a model with an interesting evolution in design.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-321455/

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-194106/

*Source: https://www.rolex.com/ja/watches/cosmograph-daytona

*Source: https://www.rolex.com/ja/watches/cosmograph-daytona

⑤White dial (8P diamond)

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-el-primero-315023/

This model features 8P diamonds on the index, and the addition of diamonds to the white dial gives it a more luxurious impression. The subdials were black up until the S numbers of the 5-digit "Ref.16528G" and "Ref.16518G", but gold has been used since then. It will be sadly removed from the lineup in 2023, but 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-164209/

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-663/

*Source: https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/

⑥ Champagne dial

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-el-primero-329996/

This model, which was added to the lineup of regular models in the 5-digit "Daytona", had a black sub-dial in the "Ref. 16528", but the sub-dial in subsequent models has been changed to the same gold as the dial color. In the new "Ref. 126508" for 2023, the sub-dial design has returned to the "Ref. 16528", so if you are looking for this design, you should also take a look at the new model.

*Source: https://www.chrononation.com/products/rolex-cosmograph-daytona-116528-2192xxxx

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-332967/

*Source: https://www.rolex.com/ja/watches/cosmograph-daytona/

⑦Champagne x Black Dial (Sunray)

*Source: https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6248968

This dial, which features a golden (champagne) dial with black subdials, was introduced on the 4-digit "Daytona". The combination with the yellow gold case and bracelet gives it an elegant yet sporty look, making it a particularly popular dial among the yellow gold models.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-326789/

*Source: https://www.rolex.com/ja/watches/cosmograph-daytona/

⑧ Champagne x Black Dial (Matte)

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-201383/

This distinctive color scheme, featuring a champagne dial with black subdials and red chronograph hands, was first installed on the "Ref. 116528," but it is a rare dial that was said to have never been stocked at domestic authorized stores. (It seems that the successor model, the "Ref. 116508," was also sold at domestic authorized stores.) With an elegant yet sporty look, it is easy to match with casual styles, and since it was discontinued in 2023, it is one of the dials to look forward to in the future.

*Source: https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5158247

⑨Black x Champagne Dial

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-185321/

This dial, which reverses the champagne and black coloring introduced earlier, was also first installed on the "Ref. 116528", but it is a rare dial that is said to have not been stocked at domestic authorized stores. (It seems that this dial was also sold at domestic authorized stores from the successor model "Ref. 116508".) It is still in the lineup for the new 2023 model, but the chronograph hand has been changed from red to gold.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-325380/

*Source: https://www.rolex.com/ja/watches/cosmograph-daytona/

⑩ Champagne dial (8P diamond)

*Source: https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6102863

This dial features 8P diamonds on the champagne dial index, giving it a luxurious feel. The "Ref. 16528G" had a black sub-dial, but subsequent models have changed it to gold, making it even more glamorous. It was sadly discontinued in 2023, so it's one of the dials we hope to see revived.

*Source: https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-weekly-rolex-patek-philippe-audemars-piguet/rolex-cosmograph-daytona-reference-116528-a-yellow

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-182/

⑪ Green Dial

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-297597/

This model features a sunburst green dial with a beautiful contrast between the corporate color green and yellow gold. It was only available in the "Ref. 116508" released in 2016, but it has been discontinued with the release of a new model in 2023. As it is rarely available, the market price remains high, so it is recommended for those looking for a model that truly is made of solid gold .

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-297597/

⑫Blue Arabic Dial

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-138/

This model features large Arabic numerals on a blue dial. It was available in six-digit solid gold and combination models, but was discontinued after the "Ref.116508" and "Ref.116518". The red color on the register and the "DAYTONA" letters are accents that stand out against the calm blue. This dial is popular for its unusual color from the traditional "Daytona" and is rarely seen on the secondary market.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-634/

⑬White Arabic (Panda) Dial

*Source: https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080121/4?fromSearch=116528&searchPage=1

This dial features large Arabic numerals on a white dial. It was available in a 6-digit solid gold and combination model, but has since been discontinued. It is also known as the "panda dial" because the sub-dials are black, 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-462/

⑭ White Arabic Dial

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-202032/

This model features a white dial with slightly smaller Arabic numerals, and up until the S series of "Ref. 16518" (around 1993), the outer periphery of the sub-dials was black, after which it underwent a minor change to gold. This rare dial is only available with an alligator strap, and is also recommended for those who want a slightly more casual look.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-142/

⑮Shell Arabic Dial

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-133/

This watch features a natural shell dial with slightly smaller Arabic numerals, giving it a sporty yet elegant design. Its greatest feature is that the shell emits a unique color depending on the amount of light and how it hits the watch, showing off a variety of different expressions. It is rare on the secondary market and has already been discontinued, so it is one of the attractive dials that we are looking forward to seeing more of in the future .

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-601/

⑯Shell Roman Dial

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-236/

This model 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 model adds a sense of luxury and elegance, creating a dial with a slightly different atmosphere.

*Source: https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-geneva-edit/rolex-yellow-gold-daytona-ref-116518-203/133988

⑰Shell dial (8P diamond)

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-264968-298317/

This natural shell dial with 8P diamonds is available as a 5-digit model and comes in three types: white shell, yellow shell, and black shell. The impression changes greatly depending on the color; the noble white shell, the refreshing yellow shell, and the seductive black shell, so it is a good idea to choose one based on your outfit and the occasion you will be using it. This dial is especially recommended for those looking for a watch that stands out from the crowd .

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-257927/

⑱Meteorite dial

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-271072/

This popular dial, which uses meteorite, a natural stone, was suddenly added to the "Ref. 116508" and "Ref. 116518" in 2021. This was the first time it was used on a yellow gold "Daytona", but it was discontinued after just over two years with the model change in 2023. Not only was it produced for a short period of time, but it is also a rare dial with extremely low circulation .

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-271072/

⑲Leopard Dial

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-760/

This model features a leopard print motif and 8P diamonds, and is characterized by its bold design known as the "Leopard" that first appeared in 2004. Not only the dial but also the strap has a leopard print motif, and the bezel is decorated with 36 cognac sapphires and the flush fit is decorated with 48 diamonds, making it an innovative and stunning design.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-760/

⑳Tiger Dial

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-152611/

This model, with a black lacquer dial and 243 diamonds, was released at Baselworld in 2019. As its name "Tiger" suggests, the in-dial is designed to represent a tiger's eye, with 8P diamonds set on pedestals on the index, and 18KYG (yellow gold) at the 15, 30, and 45 o'clock positions. Not only the dial but also the bezel is generously set with 36 baguette diamonds, making this one of the most luxurious models .

*Source: https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-daytona-ref-116598tbr-eye-tiger-flamboyant-gold-diamond-set-123/165617

2. Pavé dial

*Source: https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080220/171?fromSearch=16528&searchPage=1

The dial is paved with diamonds and the indexes are set with rubies and emeralds, giving this watch a truly gorgeous look. The combination with the yellow gold case and bracelet is truly gorgeous, making this a rare piece that is rarely seen except at overseas auctions .

*Source: https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080120/947?fromSearch=16528&searchPage=1

Bonus: 1. Blue Dial

*Source: https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/173?fromSearch=16528&searchPage=1

This dial features a sunburst blue dial, which is said to have been prototyped by Singer a long time ago, but due to poor response, it is considered a phantom dial that was never officially sold. It seems that only a few pieces were produced, and they were given to partners, suppliers, and senior management of Rolex. It is a dial that collectors covet, as it is rarely seen even at overseas auctions.

*Source: https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6320600

Bonus: 2. Lapis lazuli dial

*Source: https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-cosmograph-daytona-reference-16528-an

This rare timepiece, which uses natural lapis lazuli for the dial and 8P diamonds for the index, was not officially sold. Its authenticity is uncertain, but it seems to have been a prototype before the sodalite dial and grossular dial were sold. At the time, it was the only 18KYG (yellow gold) Daytona with a natural stone dial.

*Source: https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-cosmograph-daytona-reference-16528-an

Bonus: 3. Purple dial

*Source: https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080123/141?fromSearch=16528&searchPage=1

This timepiece, with its purple dial and 8P diamonds, is also a rare timepiece that was never officially sold. It was only supplied to select dealers by Rolex, and is said to have been engraved by Asprey & Garrard, a company with close ties to the Omani royal family, for a special customer. The dial has a beautiful purple hue and is extremely rare.

*Source: https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080123/141?fromSearch=16528&searchPage=1

Bonus: 4. Red Dial

*Source: https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-hk0892/lot.2300.html

This watch features a vivid red dial, with the signature of Singer engraved on the back of the dial, and is a Daytona whose existence was unknown on the market until recently. The serial number is E (around 1990), and it has the dial characteristics of that time, such as "floating", "inverted 6", and "step drop", making it a rare timepiece whose production history is shrouded in mystery. There are also "Daytonas" with red exotic dials, commonly known as "red poles", in "Ref. 6263" and "Ref. 6265", but they are said to have been made for Central and South America, so this one may also have been a prototype for Central and South America.

Bonus: ⑤ Black dial (8P diamond)

*Source: https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-cosmograph-rainbow-daytona-reference

This is the dial of the 18KYG (yellow gold) "Ref. 116598RBOW" commonly known as "Rainbow" that was released in 2012, and the sub-dial is made of gold crystal. This model is coveted by collectors, featuring diamonds on the dial index as well as bucket-cut sapphires set on the bezel to create a rainbow-colored gradation.

summary

There was a huge variety of options, and I'm sure you saw many dials with colors that completely changed the atmosphere. There were also many dials that had minor changes, each with their own unique appeal. I'm sure there will be many people who are unsure which one to choose, but it's important to pick up the real thing and see it with your own eyes. I'm sure you'll find one that really catches your eye, so if you're in the area, be sure to stop by Commit Ginza.

Once again, we hope this article helps you find your favorite luxury watch.

see you!