The Ceramic Stainless Steel Daytona is finally here

If you’ve ever surfed the online watch forums, it’s quickly apparent that Rolex fans around the world have been wanting (and impatiently waiting for) a stainless steel Daytona with a ceramic bezel for years. We’re happy to report that that day has finally arrived!

A Black ceramic Rolex Daytona ref. 116500LN is a hot watch.

On the eve of Baselworld 2016, Rolex has just unveiled a brand new Cosmograph Daytona reference 116500LN in two dial options — black and white — and they’re gorgeous. On the white dial version the subsidiary dials have black rings while on the black dial version, the rings are in silver, and of course, both versions have the unmistakable DAYTONA signature in red.

The centerpiece of the new Rolex chronograph watch, however, is that black ceramic Cerachrom bezel that everyone has been longing for. The scratch and fade proof material engraved with the tachymetric scale looks fantastic in contrast with the stainless steel body while the numerals and markings on the scale are coated with platinum for optimal legibility.

Rolex Daytona 116500LN with the black dial

With the black bezel, the new ref. 116500 LN is a nod to the vintage 1965 Daytona with the black Plexiglass bezel insert as they have a similar aesthetic. Yet, the patina that comes with vintage Rolex watches will never occur with the new ceramic models since UV rays have no fading effect on the high-tech material. The Cerachrom bezel is crafted in one piece and sits on top of the 40mm stainless steel Oyster case to keep the sapphire crystal securely in place.

The 2016 Daytona comes with all the bells and whistles we are accustomed to with Rolex. The Oyster case is outfitted with the screw-down pushers and a screw-down winding crown to keep the water out for a guaranteed waterproofness of 330 feet (100 meters). Plus, the new ceramic Daytona is presented on a solid-link stainless steel Oyster bracelet equipped with the proprietary Easylink extension system to lengthen the bracelet by about 5mm when needed.

Despite all the new bells and whistles on the new Daytona, its purpose still remains true.

The new Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116500 LN is driven by the re-engineered Rolex Caliber 4130 self-winding mechanical chronograph movement. The chronograph function was built using fewer components for increased reliability while the oscillator is furnished with the blue Parachrom hairspring, which is highly resistant to magnetic fields, impervious to temperature swings, and can withstand shocks and knocks to the watch. The movement offers wearers a power reserve of 72 hours.

Our prediction (prayers) that Rolex would finally come out with a new stainless steel outfitted with a black Cerachrom bezel turned out to be true, and we now predict that lines will be out the door with Rolex fans clamoring to get their hands on one.