As we all know, there are watches that are classified in the “Diver” category, but there are also those for which a separate category was created – the “Driver,” and the undisputed flagship of this category is precisely the Daytona. In principle, the model's original name was Cosmograph, and it received its nickname “Daytona” in the late 1960s after many years of sponsorship in motorsports and in honor of the Daytona International Speedway.

It is a known fact that Rolex is the largest manufacturer of luxury watches with an annual production of over a million pieces, but despite this fact, it is a brand that not only best retains its value over time, but also has some models that are almost impossible to simply buy from an authorized dealer's store. The hardest to find, and those with long waiting lists, are precisely the Daytona – in the steel version, regardless of whether it has a white or black dial. The reason for this is not only the cult status the model has earned over all these years, but also the fact that Rolex sends a limited number of steel Daytonas to each of its dealers, who in turn are forced to create lists of waiting customers and/or to select whom to "delight." All of this leads to the situation we find ourselves in today – on the secondary market, the Daytona is offered at about 50% above the retail price.

It is undeniable that the Daytona has long become a fashion accessory (even a status symbol), but the watch incorporates very specific functions that follow its original purpose – that of a true “driver.” Measuring and calculating time, average and instantaneous speed through the use of the chronograph and the tachymetric scale – all these functionalities aim to assist the watch's owner in his sporting activities. The 40-millimeter Oyster case (when this name is present in the name of a Rolex, it means it can safely get wet), as well as the Triplock crown, provide water resistance of 100 m.

The so-called “bi-metal Daytona” is offered in several dial color options, but in our opinion, it is the black one with gold accents that is the most balanced and distinctive.

The Daytona is neither the most expensive, nor the most robust, nor the most complicated or most beautiful “driver” – why then is it so desired, valued, and successful? Surely one of the reasons is its famous in-house Caliber 4130 movement, which has a reputation for being robust, accurate, durable, and easy to service. The movement's faithful "service" to the fame and honor of Rolex began in 2000 (with it, Rolex replaced the Zenith El Primero, which had been used for decades), and over these years, it has earned the reputation of being one of the most reliable and robust chronographs ever. An automatic chronograph with a column wheel, hacking function, operating at 28,800 vibrations, with 44 jewels, 201 parts, and a power reserve of over 72 hours, as well as Rolex patents – the Paraflex anti-shock system and the Parachrom hairspring.

The watch's dial is very balanced and easily legible, despite the multitude of functions, and the luminescence of the hands and indices facilitates its use at night – it is in a pleasant to the eye greenish color and glows sufficiently bright and long.

Regardless of the fact that the Daytona is a professional instrument, as was the manufacturer's intention from its very creation, it is clear to everyone that it has long since become a luxury attribute – and this function of it has long prevailed over the original reason for its creation. Perhaps for this very reason, Rolex does many things in this model in such a way that the appearance and overall impression prevail over pure functionality. The first thing that makes an impression is the sapphire crystal – Rolex is notorious for not using anti-reflective coating on its crystals. There are various theories about the reasons, but one of the most popular is that this is done to preserve the unchanged appearance of the watches over time. The second, of course, are the gold elements – in this model, it can be said that "all that is yellow is gold," which emphasizes the feeling of aristocratic origin.

For the case back, Rolex uses a classic solid case back – as with all its models – devoid of inscriptions and decorations. As we all know, the brand uses noble 904L steel, which is more resistant (especially against salt water) compared to the widely used 316L. It is a well-known fact that Rolex can be called fanatics regarding the materials used – a large part of the metallurgical processes are carried out in-house to ensure consistent quality. Many watches have passed through our hands, and we can state categorically that few brands pay so much attention to the finishing of the cases – the result is exceptional quality and presence.

The overall impression is complemented by the tachymetric bezel – its purpose is clear: to assist in calculating average speed and other quantities important for motor sports.

For years, the Daytona has been offered with a three-piece steel bracelet with a tapering profile towards the clasp – and this tradition is preserved in this model. Here, however, there is a significant difference – this model is the first in which Rolex used a clasp crafted from a solid steel block (and not from bent sheet metal, as in older models). Subsequently, this construction was implemented in the brand's other models as well.

Indeed, in the 1960s, Rolex created a great product and invested the following decades in perfecting it. If in the beginning it was a relatively accessible specialized watch for motor sports, today it is more of a fashion accessory that, however, has all the qualities to be a long-term partner to its owner. Not only will it not let you down, but it will not lose significant value – because it is no secret that Rolex is a brand with some of the watches that best retain their value. And this particular model is undoubtedly among the most popular and sought-after.

Surely one of the reasons for this is the fact that the Daytona looks equally good with a formal suit as it does with jeans and a t-shirt – in both cases, it will attract admiring glances to your appearance.