Rolex
Cosmograph Daytona
116505
Everose Gold Daytona — the chronograph in Rolex's own warm alloy
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Overview
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 116505 represents the marque's enduring sports-chronograph line rendered in 18k Everose gold, the proprietary rose-gold alloy developed by Rolex for its lasting colour stability. Housed in the classic 40 mm Oyster case, it pairs the brand's in-house calibre 4130 with a range of richly toned dials — including sundust, black, and chocolate — that complement the warm hue of the case metal. As a precious-metal expression of one of horology's most recognised chronograph references, the 116505 occupies a distinct position within the broader Daytona family.
History
The Daytona line traces its origins to the early 1960s, when Rolex introduced a purpose-built chronograph aimed at motorsport timing. The 116505 was introduced in 2008, marking the arrival of Everose gold as a case material for the Daytona and coinciding with the generation of references powered by the self-winding calibre 4130 — an entirely in-house movement that replaced the earlier Zenith-based ebauche. The reference remained in production for roughly fifteen years, during which Rolex offered it across several dial configurations, broadening its appeal among collectors who favour warm-metal dress-sport watches. Its discontinuation in 2023 was part of a broader generational update to the Daytona line.
Notable points
- The case is crafted from Everose gold, a proprietary 18k rose-gold alloy formulated by Rolex to resist fading and maintain its warm tone over decades of wear.
- Calibre 4130 is a fully in-house self-winding movement featuring a column-wheel chronograph mechanism and a vertical clutch, widely regarded as a benchmark in modern chronograph engineering.
- Dial options — sundust, black, and chocolate — were chosen to harmonise with the Everose case, each offering a distinct character ranging from sporty contrast to refined monochrome warmth.
- The 116505 spans roughly fifteen years of continuous production (2008–2023), making it one of the longer-running single references in the modern precious-metal Daytona catalogue.
- As a precious-metal Daytona, the 116505 sits at the intersection of Rolex's tool-watch heritage and its fine-watchmaking tradition, attracting both chronograph enthusiasts and collectors of gold Rolex references.
