About White Dial & White Gold Rolex Daytona Watches
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was introduced in the early 1960s as a purpose-built racing chronograph, and over subsequent decades it became one of the most coveted luxury sports watches in the world. The white dial variant has always signaled a clean, high-contrast aesthetic, making subsidiary registers and Arabic or baton numerals immediately legible, while white gold models take that refinement further by pairing an 18 k white gold case with materials like sodalite, sapphire, and diamond pavé that would be out of place on a steel or yellow gold reference. Gem-set Daytona references such as the 116589 and 116599 families are produced in very limited numbers by Rolex's in-house gem-setting workshops, making them exceptionally rare in the secondary market. Together, these watches unite the Daytona's motorsport heritage with the craftsmanship of fine jewelry.
What to Look For
Buyers should pay close attention to the specific dial material and bezel treatment when comparing references, because the difference between a sapphire-dial 116589SACI, a sodalite-dial 16589BR, and an orange-sapphire-bezel 16559SACO can mean significant swings in rarity and market value. Condition of the gem setting, originality of the leather strap, and presence of the full box-and-papers set are the primary value drivers for jeweled Daytona references, while dial originality and undamaged lume plots matter most on the Arabic-dial steel and gold references like the 116523.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are white gold Rolex Daytona watches a good investment?
Gem-set and precious-metal Daytona references are produced in far smaller quantities than steel or Oystersteel models, which historically supports strong value retention in the secondary market. References like the 126599TRU and 116589 family with diamond pavé dials and gemstone bezels are particularly sought after by collectors who want a Daytona that doubles as a jewelry piece.
What is the difference between the 116589 and 116599 Daytona references?
Both are 18 k white gold gem-set Daytona references, but the 116599 family, such as the 126599TRU, typically features baguette-cut gemstones on the bezel and represents an even higher level of gem setting than the 116589 series. The specific dial treatment, gemstone color, and bezel configuration distinguish individual references within each family and account for differences in rarity and pricing.
Do these white dial and white gold Daytonas come with original box and papers?
Availability of box and papers varies by individual reference and is noted in each listing on Bizak and Co.'s site. For high-value gem-set references, buyers are strongly encouraged to prioritize complete sets, as original Rolex certification and packaging meaningfully support authenticity and long-term resale value.
Browse also: Rolex collection.
Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
