Rolex Daytona Black

Black Rolex Daytona models and prices

Rolex names the dial colour first and the counters second: “black, golden counter rings” is a black dial whose three counters are ringed in gold, while “Sundust and bright black” is a Sundust dial with black counters. Every current Daytona has a 40 mm Oyster case and calibre 4131, with about 72 hours of power reserve. US retail is Rolex’s 2026 price; “from” is the lowest live Bizak catalogue price for a black-dial example on 19 October 2026. Tap a reference to open its listing and reserve it.

Steel is where a black Daytona costs most over retail: a new 126500LN is listed at about twice Rolex’s $16,900. Most gold black-dial models are listed below US retail, even new: a new 126515LN is $39,989 against $44,800, a new 126508 $46,499 against $55,200 and a new 126509 $48,174 against $59,100.

The yellow gold 126508 and 126518LN come with two plain black dials. “Black, golden counter rings” has black counters ringed in gold: from $46,499 on the 126508 and $40,919 on the 126518LN. “Intense black and champagne-colour” has champagne-colour counters and a red outer track, which dealers often list as a “Paul Newman” dial, borrowing the nickname of some 1960s Daytona dials: from $45,012 on the 126508 and $43,709 on the 126518LN. The Everose models pair the black dial with Sundust counters, and the white gold models with steel ones, the same combination as the steel 126500LN. Our guide to every gold Rolex with a black dial covers the Day-Date and Sky-Dweller too.

Rolex also offers a bright black dial set with diamonds on every gold and two-tone model, for $2,100 more than the plain dial at US retail. On Bizak they start at $25,574 on the 126503, $41,849 on the 126519LN, $42,779 on the 126515LN, $45,104 on the 126518LN, $48,359 on the 126508, $50,034 on the 126509 and $52,079 on the 126505. More are on our diamond dial Daytona page.

Black or white dial: the steel 126500LN

The current steel Daytona has a black dial with steel counter rings (126500LN-0002) or a white dial with black counters, the “Panda” (126500LN-0001). Rolex charges $16,900 for either, so the difference on the secondary market is demand: on Bizak the black dial starts at $33,990 new, the white at $34,999 pre-owned and $39,600 new. Both have the 2023 case, with a thin polished steel ring around the black Cerachrom bezel insert, and calibre 4131 with Rolex’s Chronergy escapement. Our 126500LN guide compares the two dials; white-dial models are on our Panda Daytona page and every 126500LN on our Daytona 126500LN page.

The previous 116500LN of 2016 to 2023, the first steel Daytona with a Cerachrom bezel, has calibre 4130 and the same two dials. A black 116500LN starts at $22,319 pre-owned, and our steel 116500LN with a black dial listed as new is $30,309. The 116520 of 2000 to 2016, with a steel bezel, starts at $21,064 in black. See our 116500LN guide and the 116500LN, 116520 and steel Daytona pages.

Earlier black dial Daytonas from $19,312

Every automatic Daytona since 1988 has a 40 mm case. The 1165xx models (2000 to 2023) run on calibre 4130 and the 165xx models (1988 to 2000) on calibre 4030, a modified Zenith El Primero. Each reference below was made with a black dial; prices are the lowest live Bizak catalogue price for a black-dial example on 19 October 2026.

Older black dials can change with age: on some 16520s the counter rings have turned brown, which collectors call a “Patrizzi” dial. Black mother-of-pearl is another option: the two-tone 116523 with a dark mother-of-pearl dial and Roman numerals is also $19,312, and the current 126579RBR pairs black mother-of-pearl with diamonds. More history is in our guides to the Daytona 116520 and to vintage Daytona references from the 6263 to the 116520. Gold models by metal are on our steel and yellow gold, yellow gold, rose gold and white gold Daytona pages.

Le Mans, Rainbow and gem-set black Daytonas

Rolex made the white gold 126529LN in 2023 for the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans: a black dial with white counters, a black Cerachrom bezel with a red 100, a display back and calibre 4132, whose hour counter runs to 24 hours. Its US retail price was $51,400 and Rolex discontinued it in 2024; we list it from $256,964. The yellow gold 126528LN of 2024 has the same black dial, red 100 and calibre 4132; Phillips notes that it does not appear in Rolex’s catalogue, and we list it from $211,109. A 116500LN, 116520 or 126509 fitted with a Le Mans-style bezel and dial is a modified watch, not a Le Mans reference.

The “Rainbow” Daytonas replace the tachymetric scale with baguette sapphires graded through the colours of the rainbow, and several have black dials: the yellow gold 126598RBOW from $388,925, the white gold 126599RBOW from $367,349 and the earlier 116599RBOW from $338,482 and 116598RBOW from $411,999. Other gem-set black dials include the white gold 116589RBR, with a diamond bezel and a diamond-set black dial on a leather strap, from $73,999, and the off-catalogue 126599TRU, with a bezel of baguette rubies and ruby hour markers, from $1,099,999. Compare them on our Rainbow Daytona page and in our guide to off-catalogue Rolex models.

Is there an all-black Rolex Daytona?

Not from Rolex. Every Daytona in Rolex’s current catalogue has a case of Oystersteel, Oystersteel and yellow gold, 18 ct yellow, Everose or white gold, or platinum. Black-cased Daytonas were coated, for example with DLC, by third parties after they left Rolex, and Rolex’s terms of use name “black coated watches” among the modifications by unauthorised third parties that it does not approve. The darkest factory look is a black dial, a black Cerachrom bezel and a black Oysterflex: the Everose 126515LN from $38,129, the white gold 126519LN from $39,989 or the yellow gold 126518LN from $40,919. More Daytonas with a black ceramic bezel are on our ceramic bezel Daytona page, and rubber-strap models on our Oysterflex Daytona page.

What to check before you buy a black Daytona

• The reference and the dial. Read the reference engraved between the lugs at 12 o’clock and match it, and the serial, to the papers. Then check that the dial is one Rolex made for that reference: a black 126500LN has steel counter rings, a black 126508 or 126518LN golden rings or champagne-colour counters, and a black 126505 or 126515LN Sundust counters.
• Factory or aftermarket. Diamonds, a Le Mans-style bezel or dial, or a black coating added after the watch left Rolex lower its value. Rolex’s guarantee does not cover watches modified with non-genuine parts such as a bezel or dial, and a gem-set Daytona priced like a plain one almost certainly has aftermarket stones.
• Original or service parts. On an older Daytona, ask whether the dial and hands are original or service replacements; we explain any disclosed service replacements before you approve the watch.
• Bezel, case and bracelet. Check a Cerachrom bezel for chips, the case edges for heavy polishing and an older bracelet for stretch.
• Box and papers. A full set with the warranty card is part of the price; check which one you are being quoted.

Found your reference? Open its listing and tap Reserve with $200. Our buyer protection page sets out the deposit terms, and our authentication page lists the checks made on the specific watch before dispatch. More checks are in our guide to buying a Daytona from a grey dealer, and prices in every metal are in our Rolex Daytona price guide. Selling or trading a black Daytona instead? See sell or trade your watch.

Frequently Asked Questions