But how can I write about this watch, perhaps the most famous one in the world when everything was written and written again since the presentation of its latest version during the 2016 edition of Baselworld? Maybe just by stepping back and write about it several months after its unveiling.

I must admit that when I discovered it in March, I fell immediately under its spell. Basically, I am a fan of Rolex. For a simple reason: because I do not know any other brand that offers such homogeneity of quality. You randomly take two watches which have been just produced and you can be pretty sure they will work the same way. The requirement, the attention to detail, the manufacturing process, the efficiency-oriented mind, all these elements have forged the reputation of Rolex. Yet this is not enough. The quality is assessed over time but it takes a spark at the beginning to take the plunge and purchase a watch. And I found that spark in the new stainless steel Cosmograph Daytona with black ceramic bezel.




In fact, there is a kind of balance that is created with this watch which offers several paradoxes making it exciting. The first of these paradoxes is found in its visual rendering. On one hand, it gives off a sense of sophistication, elegance accentuated by the superb rendering of the Cerachrom bezel. On the other, the finishes of the case (not to mention the polished and brushed bracelet) give it a more exuberant and showy side. I love this opposition because the watch continuously seems to pass from one world to another.


The second paradox is about the atmosphere. The black bezel plays also on this point a significant role. The Daytona 116500LN appears both inspired by models from the past because of the color of the bezel but is resolutely contemporary. The technical finishes, architecture and performance of the 4130 movement, the overall perceived quality leave no doubt: it is indeed the result of the latest developments from Rolex.



The third paradox comes to my mind by watching the two 2016 models. My perspective has changed since Baselworld. During the Fair, the white version seduced me immediately  mainly thanks to the contrast between the bezel and the dial. I also found it more elegant than the black version which seemed to be for me a casual watch. And then ... my perspective has changed. I saw the two watches side by side a few days ago and my heart clearly votes now for the black version. Initially, I found it ... too black! And now I particularly appreciate its discretion, the design of the subdials and the fact that this dark dominant color reduce its perceived size. I am now convinced that the black version is the most elegant and the white version, the sporty and casual one! I also think the black version is less tiring in the long run. A true 180 degree turn of my feelings that gives the proof that this watch is subtler and more complex than it suggests.




The fourth paradox is inherent in Rolex. When we coldly analyze the Daytona 116500LN, it appears that only a few little details change from the previous version. The fundamentals remain: the diameter (40mm), the lay-out of the dial, the movement, the pushers ... and I could mention some others. Just bring a few changes and the overall appearance of the Daytona is totally transformed. It is true for the great majority of Rolex watches by the way. The different versions of a specific model which follow one another confirm that the brand is continuously changing but rarely with a revolutionary mindset. This change in continuity is reassuring for the clients and Rolex manages to define the own personality of each version.  Rolex  seems to be the only brand able to control this kind of alchemy.




The last paradox is related to the clients of the Daytona. This chronograph with screwed pushers is a resolutely masculine watch and the myth around it only reinforces this fact. But the Daytona is also one of the favorite Rolex watches for the ladies. Its balance, its comfort, its versatility seduce a lot of women and the last models with black ceramic bezel are no exception to the rule. I consider that the black version is ideal on a woman's wrist due to more  reduced perceived size. And since I adore women who wear men's watches, I can only be happy with this attractive power from the Daytona toward the fairer sex.




The 2016 stainless-steel Daytona is a multifaceted watch and proves to be a success. I explained it why in the above sentences  from elements that may be perceived as subjective. After all, the perception of the aesthetic emotion which comes from a watch  is a criterion that can vary greatly from one person to another. It could be a mistake on my part but I left out the qualitative and indisputable points such as the Superlative Chronometer certification, the performance of the 4130 movement which features a significant power reserve of 3 days and which is equipped with an anti-magnetic Parachrom spiral, the efficiency of the Oysterlock clasp... It is finally an ultimate paradox. The seriousness of the design, the strict and rigorous manufacturing, the flawless technical characteristics, which are essential to the pleasure given by the daily wear appear almost anecdotal in front of the charm and the seductive power of the controlled and timeless design. We must face the reality, Rolex did it again and the 2016 stainless-steel Daytona lives up to its reputation.

Perfect on a female wrist, the Daytona remains a male watchmaking icon:




Pros:
+ The black ceramic bezel, at the same time elegant and slightly ostentatious
+ The performance of the 4130 movement
+ The comfort on the wrist
+ The versatility of the watch, easy to wear in all circumstances
+ The price-quality ratio

Cons:
- The dial is still  a bit talkative
- The screwed pushers, which are understandable given the versatility of the watch, remain incongruous from a pure practical perspective

Fr.Xavier