Two new versions of the Daytona were presented at Watches & Wonders 2024, both in 18-carat white gold cases and Mother-of-Pearl-Dials.
For Watches & Wonders releases every year, Rolex likes to give one of the collections a luxury makeover. At Watches & Wonders 2023, the Day-Date 36 had a diamond set bezel and hour indices, along with a glittering new gem set green dial. During the 2022 event, the brand decided to completely change the look of the Datejust with a flower-patterned dial with the pistil of the flower being diamond set, while also giving the Yacht-Master a gem-set look.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 126589RBR (White Mother-of-Pearl Dial) – Full view 
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 126579RBR – Black Mother-of-Pearl – Full view
The last time the brand’s Daytona got a luxury “re-fit” was back in 2021. While this change wasn’t what we’d traditionally define as a luxury makeover, it was still a change that won the hearts of many. The Cosmograph Daytona was presented in three versions (18-carat white gold, 18-carat Everose gold and 18-carat yellow gold), all featuring an absolutely stunning Meteorite dial.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 126589RBR (White Mother-of-Pearl Dial) (1) 
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 126579RBR – Black Mother-of-Pearl Dial
For this year, Rolex has once again changed the dial of the Daytona and, as an added bonus, given the timepiece a diamond makeover. The Cosmograph Daytona is presented in two different Mother-of-Pearl dials. The white Mother-of-Pearl is presented on an 18-carat white gold case while being fitted on a contrasting Oysterflex bracelet (Rolex’s rubber strap variant). The second model features the same design; however, it is presented on an Oyster bracelet with a black Mother-of-Pearl dial.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 126579RBR – Black Mother-of-Pearl 
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 126589RBR (White Mother-of-Pearl Dial) – Close up dial shot
Rolex has clearly designed these two new variants of the Daytona to be directly in contrast to each other. The white Mother-of-Pearl model has it’s chronograph counters done in black Mother-of-Pearl, with the contrasting black Osyterflex bracelet. The black dial version has white mother-of-pearl sub-counters and a contrasting bracelet colour to the dial. This look is inline with Daytona releases of the past, where we get either a panda dial or a reverse-panda, appeasing to the different tastes of the watch community.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 126579RBR – Black Mother-of-Pearl 
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 126589RBR (White Mother-of-Pearl Dial)
Both versions of the new Daytona come with a diamond set bezel, which, to be exact, is 36 brilliant-cut diamonds. The glamour of the bezel is transferred to the dial, as the dials hour markers (1,2,4,5,7,8,10 & 11) are set with diamonds as well. The remainder of the hour markers (besides 12 o’clock) are fitted with Chromalight indicators, which illuminate brightly under low-light conditions, providing a nice visual effect against the surrounding glistening hour indices.
Rolex has fitted their latest Calibre 4131 movement into these Daytona’s. Released in 2023 as part of the 60th anniversary of the Daytona, this chronograph movement was designed with a reduced number of components, with the aim of improving the movement’s reliability as well as it’s precision and power reserve. The movement still retains Rolex’s Chronergy escapement (which you can read more about here!) as well as the Parachrom hairspring. The movement offers 72 hours of power reserve while operating at a high-frequency of 28,800 VpH (4hz). The movement’s decorations have also been upgraded from the previous calibre, as it now includes a skeletonised winding rotor, along with bridges decorated in Rolex Côtes de Genève.
Final Thoughts
While diamond-set timepieces are certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, Rolex knows how to do it right. While the Rolex Daytona Rainbow is fit for bold personalities, releases like this latest pairing are for those who want jewellery on their luxury watch without the in-your-face stand-out effect.
The Mother-of-Pearl dials are the perfect background for the diamond setting. Mother-of-Pearl dials are no strangers to Rolex, with the brand having used this aesthetic material for years throughout their collections. The beauty of Mother-of-Pearl dials is that no two dials are the same. Much like carbon-fibre, each Mother-of-Pearl dial has its natural variations and patterns, giving the timepiece an individualised look!
Reference: 126589RBR (White Mother-of-Pearl Dial), 126579RBR (Black Mother-of-Pearl Dial)
Specification
- Case: 40 mm
- Case Material: 18 ct white gold. Bezel set with 36 brilliant-cut diamonds.
- Dial: White and black mother-of-pearl set with diamonds. Diamonds in 18 ct gold settings.
- Crystal: Sapphire scratch-resistant, with anti-reflective coating.
- Water resistance: 100m (10 Bar)
- Movement: Rolex Calibre 4131 chronograph self-winding
- Movement Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Power reserve: 72 hours
- Bracelet: Osyterflex bracelet with folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system (Ref. 126589RBR) or 18-carat white gold Oyster bracelet with three-piece solid links and folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link (Ref. 126579RBR).
International Recommended Retail Price: $98,500 AUD (Ref. 126589RBR), $112,400 AUD (Ref. 126579RBR)
Availability: Available now; visit Rolex Boutiques or Authorised Dealers to enquire. For more information, head to Rolex.com.au
