Rolex Daytona 116506

Buying Advice

About the Rolex Daytona 116506

The Rolex Daytona 116506 is a 950 platinum Cosmograph Daytona and the most exclusive watch in the entire Daytona collection. Nicknamed the Rolex "Platona" by collectors, it was introduced in 2013 to celebrate the Daytona's 50th anniversary. At WatchGuys, we carry pre-owned and unworn examples of this discontinued reference. The 116506 features a 40mm platinum case, a chestnut brown Cerachrom ceramic bezel with an engraved tachymeter scale, and a matching platinum Oyster bracelet. It is powered by the in-house Caliber 4130 chronograph movement with a 72-hour power reserve. As the first platinum Daytona ever produced, the 116506 occupies a unique position within the broader Rolex Daytona collection, sitting at the very top of the range in both material prestige and collector desirability.

Rolex Daytona 116506 Dial Options

The 116506 features Rolex's signature ice-blue dial, a color reserved exclusively for platinum Rolex models. This cool, pale blue tone immediately identifies the watch as platinum to anyone familiar with the brand. The standard version (116506-0001) features luminous index hour markers with chestnut brown sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. The baguette diamond variant (116506-0002) replaces the index markers with baguette-cut diamonds for a more luxurious appearance while retaining the same brown sub-dial layout. A rare Arabic numeral dial was also produced for select Middle Eastern markets. The contrast between the ice-blue dial and the brown Cerachrom bezel is one of the most distinctive color combinations in modern watchmaking.

Rolex Daytona 116506 Price

Pre-owned Rolex Daytona 116506 prices generally range from $85,000 to $110,000 for the standard index dial version, depending on condition and completeness. The baguette diamond dial variant typically trades at a premium above the index version. Prices fluctuate with market conditions, and full sets with original box and papers consistently command higher values. Despite some softening from peak 2022 levels, the 116506 remains a six-figure watch and one of the most valuable modern Daytonas on the secondary market. For current pricing, contact our team directly or browse our gold Rolex inventory.

Rolex Daytona 116506 vs. 126506

The Rolex Daytona 126506 is the current-production successor, introduced in 2023 for the Daytona's 60th anniversary. Both are full platinum Daytonas with the same ice-blue dial and chestnut brown Cerachrom bezel. The key differences are the movement and caseback. The 126506 runs on the newer Caliber 4131 and features a transparent sapphire caseback for the first time in Daytona history, allowing a view of the decorated movement. The 116506 has a solid platinum caseback and uses the proven Caliber 4130. The 126506 also features slightly updated case proportions with thicker lugs. On the secondary market, the 126506 generally trades higher (typically $120,000 to $160,000) due to its current-production status and the added display caseback. The 116506 offers a slightly lower entry point into platinum Daytona ownership while retaining the original anniversary design. Collectors comparing across materials should also consider the Rolex Daytona 116509 in white gold or the Rolex Daytona 116505 in Everose gold.

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Why Buy a Rolex Daytona 116506 From WatchGuys

When you shop for a pre-owned Rolex Daytona 116506 for sale at WatchGuys, you get more than a watch. Every piece is authenticated by our in-house watchmakers and backed by a comprehensive set of buyer protections.

Common Questions

Rolex Daytona 116506 FAQ

• What Is the Rolex Daytona 116506?

  The Rolex Daytona 116506 is the first platinum Cosmograph Daytona ever produced, introduced in 2013 to celebrate the model's 50th anniversary. Crafted entirely from 950 platinum, it features a 40mm case, a chestnut brown Cerachrom ceramic bezel with an engraved tachymeter scale, and a matching platinum Oyster bracelet. The signature ice-blue dial is a color Rolex reserves exclusively for its platinum watches. The 116506 is powered by the Caliber 4130 self-winding chronograph movement with a 72-hour power reserve.

• How Much Does a Rolex Daytona 116506 Cost?

  Pre-owned Rolex Daytona 116506 prices generally range from $85,000 to $110,000 for the standard index dial version, depending on condition, year of production, and completeness of box and papers. The baguette diamond dial variant typically commands a premium above the standard configuration. Full sets in excellent condition consistently trade at the higher end of this range. The 116506 is one of the most valuable modern Daytona references on the secondary market.

• What Dial Options Does the Rolex 116506 Come In?

  The Rolex 116506 was produced exclusively with the ice-blue dial that Rolex reserves for platinum models. Two primary configurations were available: the standard version with luminous index hour markers and chestnut brown sub-dials, and the baguette diamond version with diamond-set hour markers. A rare Arabic numeral variant was also produced for select Middle Eastern markets. All versions share the same chestnut brown sub-dial layout and brown Cerachrom bezel.

• Is the Rolex Daytona 116506 Discontinued?

  Yes. Rolex discontinued the 116506 in 2023 when it introduced the successor reference 126506 with the updated Caliber 4131 movement and a transparent sapphire caseback. The 116506 was produced from 2013 to 2023. Because it is no longer in production, the 116506 is only available through the pre-owned market. Its status as the original platinum Daytona and its 50th anniversary significance give it lasting collector appeal.

• Why Is the Rolex 116506 Called the "Platona"?

  The nickname "Platona" is a collector term that combines "platinum" with "Daytona." It was coined by enthusiasts to distinguish this reference from the gold and steel Daytonas in the collection. The name reflects the 116506's status as the first and, at the time, only platinum Daytona Rolex had ever produced. The "Platona" nickname has since been carried over to the successor reference 126506 as well.

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