In all honesty, this definitely wasnt Rolexs strongest year when it comes to new releases, but they had at least some surprises. Like this Rolex Daytona 116588 TBR.A gem-set Daytona isnt exactly a new thing, but a dial like this weve never seen before on a Rolex Daytona. Their new Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116588 TBR(-003) has a bezel set with 36 trapeze-cut diamonds while the dial is diamond pave with this interesting structure of yellow gold. Our friends from Revolution magazine dubbed this one the Eye of the Tiger, as the dial should (or could?) remind us somewhat of a tiger. Lets just hope it isnt a panther. As you can see, the Arabic numerals 15, 30 and 45 are also made of yellow gold. The other hour markers, except the Rolex crown logo at 12 oclock, are diamond-set as well.
Rolex did not communicate a price on this watch, but our guess is that rockstars probably dont have to ask. We reported about the increased interest in diamond set Daytonas not too long ago, in this article on the Rolex Daytona Rainbow. This new Rolex Daytona 116588 is assumingly heading the same way, finding its way to collectors, rockstars and investors via their connections with Rolex or ending up buying (or selling) them via auction houses.
This 40mm Rolex Daytona is made of 18-carat yellow gold, based on the gold Daytona with reference 116518. Instead of a leather strap, this reference comes on their Rolex Oysterflex strap. Rolex also used this strap for their Yacht-Master 42 this year. This strap was introduced by Rolex in 2015 already, on their Everose gold Yacht-Master ref. 116655. An incredibly comfortable rubber strap, with a patented cushion system on the inside, ensuring the strap offers maximal comfort on the wrist.Turning the watch around, youll see a normal gold Daytona. Clean and solid gold case back with the typical incisions for watchmakers equipment. The lugs have gold marking on the inside, except for one that has a little Rolex crown engraved. The Rolex Oysterflex strap closes with an 18-carat yellow gold folding clasp with flip-lock, of course.
