Luxury watch parts introduction ~ "dial" variations ~ Daytona platinum model

Today we will be introducing luxury watch parts: dial variations - Daytona Platinum 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 eighth installment of our series and we would like to introduce the dials of the overwhelmingly popular " Daytona " PT (platinum) model. Please enjoy reading until the end.

PT (Platinum) model

①Ice blue dial (bar index)

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-349370/

Released in 2013 as a commemorative model for the 50th anniversary of the Daytona, this model features an ice blue dial with bar indexes, which is only available in platinum (PT) models. The combination of the chestnut-colored bezel and subdials creates a special feeling that sets it apart from other Daytonas. In the new model released in 2023, the size of the subdials and the indexes have been changed to a sharper shape. If you are looking for a cool watch with a bold impression in a color that is easy to use every day, why not choose this dial?

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

2) Ice blue dial (11P bucket diamond)

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-335629/

This dial, with 11P bucket diamonds on the index, was added to the PT (platinum) Daytona in 2014. The diamonds on the ice blue dial give it a refreshing look with a sparkling accent. The new model released in 2023 has a different in-dial design from ice blue to chestnut brown, giving it a very different look.

*Source: https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/EX080519/337?fromSearch=116576&searchPage=1

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

➂ Ice blue dial (Arabic characters)

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-174284/

This dial, with Arabic characters on the index, is made for the Middle Eastern market. There are two combinations: silver Arabic characters with chestnut brown sub-dials, and blue Arabic characters with ice blue sub-dials. Due to its exclusivity, it is very popular outside the Middle East as well, making it a very distinctive dial.

*Source: https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-daytona-ref-116576tbr-platinum-chronograph-baguette-diamond-15/145843

➃ Ice blue dial (pave diamonds)

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-297181/

The dial is covered with pave diamonds and features bar indexes, making it a truly gorgeous and dazzling dial. The sub-dials are ice blue, which is a sign that it is made of PT (platinum), and the edges of the indexes are also blue. Due to its luxury, it can be said that this dial is very rare.

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

Bonus: ① Black shell dial

*Source: https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-hk0816/lot.2265.html

This watch, with a natural black shell dial and applied Arabic numerals, was made for Patrick Heiniger, the third CEO of Rolex, and only five were produced. Four of them were given to close friends of Heiniger, and the remaining one was engraved with "Francesca-Romain 16.10.1999" on the back and was given to Francesca Gobbi at her wedding on October 16, 1999. Mr. Gobbi is a member of the Gobbi 1842 family, a prestigious Milan watch shop founded in 1842, and has had a long-standing partnership with Rolex. Mr. Heiniger is also said to have had a close relationship with the Gobbi family. This Daytona was put up for auction at Sotheby's Hong Kong auction "Important Watches" held in October 2018, and sold for 6,840,000 HKD (approximately 100 million yen at the exchange rate at the time) .

Bonus: 2. Lapis lazuli dial

*Source: https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches/rolex-cosmograph-daytona-reference-16516-a

Made of natural lapis lazuli with Arabic numerals, this is a rare piece with only five made around 1998. The case back is engraved with "Pour JF Gobbi XII 1998" and, like the black shell dial introduced earlier, is believed to have been a gift to the Gobbi family. It was exhibited at Sotheby's Hong Kong auction "Important Watches" held in July 2020 and sold for 25,375,000 HKD (approximately 350 million yen at the exchange rate at the time) .

*Source: https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches/rolex-cosmograph-daytona-reference-16516-a

Bonus: 3. Turquoise dial

*Source: https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches/rolex-cosmograph-daytona-reference-16516-a

This watch, made of natural turquoise with Arabic numerals, is also a rare piece, of which five were produced around 1998. It appears to have been produced as a prototype, and it is said that "Patrick Heiniger" gave four to important business partners and kept the last one for himself. The date "1998" is engraved on the back of this model, which was produced by Rolex in 1998. It was exhibited at Sotheby's Hong Kong auction "Important Watches" held in April 2021, and sold for 24,375,000 HKD (approximately 360 million yen at the exchange rate at the time).

*Source: https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches/rolex-cosmograph-daytona-reference-16516-a

summary

The fact that everyone can picture the ice blue Daytona in platinum (PT) is perhaps the most powerful aspect of the brand. Also, some people may not know about the unique piece "Ref. 16516," so if you're interested, please do some research.

PT (Platinum) is a solid material, yet has a color that is easy to wear in daily life. I'm sure there are many people who consider it as a candidate for a retirement watch. Although it is not in an easily accessible price range, we encourage you to pick up a PT (Platinum) "Daytona" and see its brilliance and solidity with your own eyes.

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

see you!