About the Rolex Rainbow Daytona
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow is the haute-joaillerie expression of Rolex's iconic chronograph, first introduced to broad collector attention as a factory gem-set variant of the ref. 116598RBOW in yellow gold, with the rose gold 116595RBOW and white gold 116599RBOW following as the line matured into a full trilogy of precious-metal offerings. What defines the Rainbow Daytona is its bezel set with baguette-cut sapphires arranged in a deliberate gradient of color across the spectrum, complemented by a dial encrusted with round brilliant diamonds and chromatic sapphires that echo the bezel's rainbow progression. The 40 mm Oyster case in 18k gold, the tachymeter scale rendered entirely in gemstones, and the luminous-coated hands all sit at the intersection of professional chronograph function and museum-quality gem setting. The result is a watch that commands exceptional premiums on the secondary market and is widely regarded as one of the most coveted references in the modern Rolex catalog.
What to Look For
Buyers shopping Rainbow Daytonas should understand that the suffix variants—116595RBOWC, 116595RBOWC1, 116595RBOW-1, and equivalents in yellow and white gold—reflect differences in dial configuration, stone arrangement, or case accessory sets, so confirming the exact reference against accompanying paperwork is essential to verify authenticity and inform value. Custom builds such as full pavé sapphire dial and bezel conversions on the 116595 or 116508 base can significantly exceed factory retail and collector pricing, so provenance documentation and gem-setting quality are critical considerations when buying these pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Rolex Rainbow Daytona and why is it so expensive?
The Rolex Rainbow Daytona is a gem-set version of the Cosmograph Daytona featuring a bezel paved with multicolored baguette sapphires graduating across the color spectrum and a fully diamond-set dial, produced in 18k rose, yellow, or white gold. The extreme labor involved in matching and setting hundreds of calibrated colored sapphires, combined with Rolex's limited production, drives prices well above standard precious-metal Daytona references on the secondary market.
What is the difference between the 116595RBOW, 116598RBOW, and 116599RBOW?
The three core Rainbow Daytona references differ primarily in metal: 116595RBOW is 18k Everose rose gold, 116598RBOW is 18k yellow gold, and 116599RBOW is 18k white gold, with each sharing the same 40 mm Oyster case and signature rainbow sapphire bezel concept. Subtle variations in dial stone color palette and bracelet finish exist across the metals, and collector demand and market value can differ meaningfully between them.
Are the custom Rainbow Daytona pieces at Bizak and Co. authentic Rolex watches?
Yes, the custom configurations listed—such as the full pavé sapphire dial and bezel builds on the 116595 and 116598 platforms—start from genuine, authenticated Rolex Daytona cases and movements, with aftermarket gem-setting work performed by specialist jewelers. Bizak and Co. represents the base reference and customization level transparently in each listing, and all pieces are authenticated before sale so buyers understand exactly what they are purchasing.
Browse also: Rolex collection.
Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
