A yellow gold Rolex Daytona is a 40 mm Cosmograph chronograph cased in solid 18k yellow gold, sold on either a matching gold Oyster bracelet (116508, then 126508) or a black Oysterflex strap (116518LN, then 126518LN). It is a different watch from the two-tone Daytona, which pairs a steel case with a gold bezel and gold bracelet links. This guide sorts the references, dials and straps so you know what to ask for. Bizak & Co. is a sourcing desk, not an authorised Rolex retailer, and every watch here is sourced to order rather than held in stock.
Last reviewed on October 28, 2026 by Filip Biczak. Sources: Rolex, Cosmograph Daytona and WatchBase, 126518LN-0004. Spec details are cross-checked against dealer and reference listings; always confirm the exact reference on the watch you are offered.
What is a yellow gold Rolex Daytona?
It is the Cosmograph Daytona made entirely in 18k yellow gold, with no steel in the case. Rolex builds it in the same 40 mm size as the steel model and pairs it with an in-house automatic chronograph movement. The gold models split into two families by what is on your wrist: the Oyster bracelet versions and the Oysterflex versions. The Oysterflex versions add a black ceramic bezel insert, which is why their references end in LN.
Which yellow gold Daytona references exist?
There are four references to know, two per generation. The older pair is 116508 and 116518LN, and the current pair is 126508 and 126518LN. The table lays out the differences.
| Reference | Generation | Case | Strap | Bezel | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 116508 | Previous | 40 mm, 18k yellow gold | 18k gold Oyster bracelet | 18k yellow gold | Caliber 4130 generation |
| 116518LN | Previous | 40 mm, 18k yellow gold | Black Oysterflex | Black Cerachrom | Caliber 4130 |
| 126508 | Current | 40 mm, 18k yellow gold | 18k gold Oyster bracelet | 18k yellow gold | Caliber 4131 generation |
| 126518LN | Current | 40 mm, 18k yellow gold | Black Oysterflex | Black Cerachrom | Caliber 4131 |
The current 126 generation brought the updated caliber 4131, which dealers list with roughly 72 hours of power reserve, and listings for the 126518LN show 100 m water resistance. For the bracelet references, confirm the movement and paperwork on the individual watch. You can browse our pages for the Rolex Daytona 126508, the current-model yellow gold Daytona and the previous-model yellow gold Daytona to compare them.
Oysterflex, leather or gold bracelet: which strap is better?
It depends on how you will wear it, because the strap changes the watch more than the reference number does. The gold Oyster bracelet is the dressy, heavier and more traditional option. The Oysterflex strap is a flexible black elastomer strap built around metal blades; Rolex introduced it on the Daytona around 2017, and reviewers describe it as making the gold case feel more casual and lighter on the wrist.
Leather is the third option people ask about. Rolex’s catalogue for these references centres on the gold bracelet and Oysterflex, so a gold Daytona on leather today is usually an aftermarket swap or an older piece. Ask the seller exactly what the strap and clasp are. Our guide to the Rolex Daytona on a leather strap covers what to check.
What dials does the yellow gold Daytona come in?
Black, champagne and white are the classic choices, and green is the one collectors single out. The previous 116508 is generally described with black, white and champagne dials plus a sunburst green dial with red accents, and some meteorite and special variants appeared later. The current 126508 is listed by retailers in champagne, black and green. The Oysterflex 126518LN is offered in champagne, black and white, and dealer listings also show other colours and a Paul Newman-style layout, so the dial list is wider than the standard trio.
Dial matters for value: sources note that identical watches can sell for very different amounts depending on dial, with green and rarer layouts at the top. If you want a black dial specifically, our guide to the gold Rolex with a black dial compares it across the Daytona, Day-Date and Sky-Dweller.
How is it different from a two-tone Rolesor Daytona?
A two-tone Daytona keeps a steel case and adds yellow gold only on the bezel and the centre links of the bracelet, while the full yellow gold watch is gold throughout. The earlier steel-and-gold reference is 116503, described by dealers as a 40 mm steel case with a solid gold bezel and the caliber 4130; the current equivalent is 126503. The two-tone watch is lighter and typically sits well below solid gold in price, with the full gold model at the top of the Daytona gold range. See our steel and yellow gold Daytona page for the two-tone group, and the yellow gold Daytona page for the solid gold watches.
What should you check before buying a gold Daytona?
- The exact reference. Dealers sometimes mix up 116518LN and 126518LN, or call a two-tone watch “gold.” Match the reference engraved on the case to the listing.
- Strap and clasp. Confirm whether the Oysterflex or bracelet is original and complete.
- Dial and bezel condition. Gold ages differently from steel, and bezels and dials show wear in different ways.
- Paperwork and service history. Ask for the box, card and any service record.
- Market level. Gold Daytonas sit in the upper range of Rolex sports models and move with dial and strap. Treat any figure as a snapshot and ask for a current quote.
For the wider picture, including steel and platinum models, see the Rolex Daytona buying guide and our main Rolex Daytona page.
Quick answers
What is the difference between the 116508 and 126508?
Both are 40 mm solid yellow gold Daytonas on a gold Oyster bracelet. The 126508 is the current generation, which moved to the updated caliber 4131, and the 116508 is the previous one. Dial options differ between the two.
Is the Oysterflex Daytona real gold?
Yes. The 116518LN and 126518LN have solid 18k yellow gold cases. Only the strap is elastomer, and the bezel insert is black ceramic.
Which yellow gold Daytona has a black dial?
Black dials are offered across the bracelet and Oysterflex references, in both generations. Check the exact reference and dial name, since gold-and-black layouts vary.
Is a two-tone Daytona the same as a gold Daytona?
No. A two-tone Daytona has a steel case with gold on the bezel and bracelet centre links, while a gold Daytona is solid 18k yellow gold throughout.
Get your Rolex sourced
Tell us the model, size, dial and bracelet preference, whether you want new or pre-owned, and your budget and timing, through our sourcing enquiry form. We confirm the specific watch, photographs and final price before you commit, so you can arrange financing against a real target.
Related reading: Rolex Daytona buying guide, gold Rolex with a black dial, Rolex Daytona on a leather strap, black dial Rolex Daytona references compared, Everose gold Rolex Daytona.
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