Rolex Daytona 40MM 116503 Black Dial Yellow Gold 2017

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is a name that has been synonymous with high-performance timekeeping and motorsport-inspired heritage since its inception in the early 1960s. Originally introduced as the “Cosmograph,” this distinguished chronograph quickly earned the “Daytona” moniker due to Rolex’s partnership with the famous Daytona International Speedway in Florida, which was legendary for hosting high-speed car races on the sand beach before it transitioned to a more modern circuit. The watch was designed to meet the rigorous demands of professional racing drivers who needed a reliable and precise tool to measure elapsed time and calculate average speeds. Over the decades, the Daytona has evolved in both mechanics and aesthetics while maintaining its core values of precision, durability, and timeless style.

Early Daytona references featured manual-wind movements, most famously powered by Valjoux calibers. These pieces gained a devoted following among professional race car drivers, enthusiasts, and collectors alike. However, it was not until the 1980s that the Daytona became an absolute icon, propelled by surging interest in luxury sports watches and famously boosted by the patronage of high-profile celebrities. During this time, Rolex transitioned to using modified Zenith El Primero movements (a groundbreaking automatic chronograph caliber introduced in 1969), which solidified the Daytona’s place in horological history. Despite the Zenith-based calibers’ excellent performance, Rolex sought to develop an in-house alternative, culminating in the introduction of the Calibre 4130 in 2000. This entirely proprietary movement set new benchmarks in accuracy, reliability, and ease of maintenance, further propelling the Daytona into the stratosphere of watchmaking acclaim.

Fast forward to the contemporary era, and the Rolex Daytona remains as coveted and relevant as ever. A host of references and configurations have emerged to suit different tastes, from elegant white or black dial steel models to lavish precious metal variations featuring eye-catching gems or mother-of-pearl detailing. The reference 116503 combines the best of both worlds by merging stainless steel with 18k yellow gold, resulting in a watch that is both robust enough for everyday wear and unquestionably luxurious. The two-tone aesthetic—often referred to by collectors as “Rolesor”—has proven to be a timeless combination within Rolex’s collection. It offers a distinctive flair, appealing to those who want the sporty credibility of steel coupled with the opulence of gold.

The 116503 you see here was produced in 2017, and it boasts the sought-after black dial configuration. The black dial has long been a favourite among Daytona enthusiasts for its striking contrast and enhanced legibility. The sub-dials are neatly recessed, and the use of gold for the markers, hands, and dial text provides a refined complement to the watch’s overall two-tone design. Subtle flourishes of red accents around the chronograph registers add a hint of sportiness that ties back to the Daytona’s racing pedigree. The 40mm Oyster case, crafted from Rolex’s formidable 904L-grade stainless steel, wears elegantly on the wrist while providing robust protection for the movement within. The bezel, fashioned in 18k yellow gold and marked by its engraved tachymetric scale, serves as both a design statement and a practical tool for measuring speed when using the chronograph.

Inside beats the renowned Calibre 4130, an automatic chronograph movement designed and manufactured entirely by Rolex. Known for its precision, it features a vertical clutch for seamless operation of the chronograph hand and a column wheel to ensure crisp pusher feel. With an approximate 72-hour power reserve, the movement is exceptionally convenient for everyday wear, easily keeping pace even if you alternate it with other watches over a weekend. The oscillator uses Rolex’s proprietary Parachrom hairspring, which offers superior resistance to shocks and temperature variations, further enhancing the watch’s reliability under a range of conditions.

This particular 2017 example has been meticulously cared for, showing only the lightest signs of wear. The two-tone Oyster bracelet, fitted with a folding Oysterlock clasp, ensures a secure fit on the wrist and incorporates Rolex’s Easylink extension for quick adjustments on the go. The mix of polished center links in gold and brushed steel outer links creates a pleasing contrast that harmonizes with the watch’s dual-material motif. The synergy of form and function is one of the primary draws of any Daytona: it transitions effortlessly between sporty and dressy occasions, befitting the modern professional who demands versatility.

Rolex includes all essential accessories with its Daytona models, and this watch retains its original box, papers, and documentation—a significant factor for both collectors and those who simply appreciate owning a complete package. The history and pedigree behind the Daytona line underscore the enduring value of each reference, while the dual-material construction and classic black dial combine to make this example stand out in any collection. From its genesis as a serious timing instrument for race car drivers to its status as a cultural symbol of aspiration and achievement, the Daytona has remained a steadfast icon in Rolex’s catalog.

Whether you are drawn by its legendary backstory, seeking a watch that adds just the right amount of understated luxury to daily attire, or hoping to capture a slice of horological history, this 2017 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116503 offers a powerful blend of performance and class. The watch is a nod to Rolex’s relentless pursuit of precision and reliability, highlighted by the in-house engineering excellence of the Calibre 4130. Ultimately, the balance of its two-tone materials and the iconic black dial secures its status as both a collectible timepiece and a faithful everyday companion, waiting to accompany you on any journey—be it on the racetrack or the boardroom.

• Case & bracelet in very good condition, light hairlines visible on clasp and bezel. 

• Dial & hands flawless