Rolex Daytona Blue 116509 vs 126509
Everything You Need to Know About the Blue Dial Rolex Daytona
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is one of the most celebrated chronographs in the watch world, and in its white gold blue dial form it achieves a special status among collectors. As with many iconic Rolex Watches, this model blends heritage and innovation. In this comprehensive guide, we focus exclusively on two sought-after references: the Rolex Daytona 116509 and its successor, the Rolex Daytona 126509, both featuring striking blue dials. We will explore the history and significance of the blue dial Daytona, examine the physical differences and updates between the two references, review their prices (both retail and secondary market), and discuss their performance as investments. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how these two luxurious chronographs stack up and guidance on what to consider if you’re looking to add one to your collection.
History and Significance
The white gold Rolex Daytona with blue dial is a relatively modern addition to Rolex’s lineup, but it has quickly earned a revered place among enthusiasts. The 116509 was first introduced in the mid-2000s, yet it wasn’t until 2016 that Rolex unveiled the sunburst blue dial variant of this watch. Collectors were immediately impressed by the rich metallic blue hue, which paired beautifully with the 18k white gold case and bracelet. At a time when stainless steel Daytonas (especially those with new ceramic bezels) were stealing the spotlight, the all-gold blue dial 116509 remained something of an under-the-radar gem in Rolex’s catalog.
A major turning point in the model’s significance came in 2019, when musician and noted watch collector John Mayer gave his throughts on the white gold Daytona with blue dial. Mayer pointed out that while hype swirled around ceramic Daytona models, pieces like the Rolex Daytona 116508 with a green dial - now nicknamed the “John Mayer” Daytona - and its “brother,” the 116509 with a blue dial, were being overlooked. He confidently predicted these two precious-metal, brightly colored dial Daytonas would be future collector favorites. His endorsement amplified its desirability, securing a special place among Rolex enthusiasts and elevating its market value.
Fast forward to the 2020s, and Rolex decided to update the Daytona range in celebration of the model’s 60th anniversary. In 2023 the first wave of new-generation Daytonas (with reference numbers starting in 1265xx) was introduced, featuring a new movement and subtle design tweaks. The beloved yellow gold/green and white gold/blue models were discontinued in 2023, causing a stir among those who had come to see them as modern classics. But this story has a happy continuation: Rolex quietly reintroduced the white gold blue dial Daytona in 2025 as the new reference 126509. The new model preserves the same striking blue dial and overall aesthetic, while incorporating the technical and design updates of the latest generation. Today, both the original 116509 (now a discontinued model with a cult following) and the current 126509 (the modern iteration) are highly sought after.
Physical Differences & Updates
At first glance, the Daytona 116509 and 126509 blue dial models look almost identical, and that’s by design. Rolex kept the visuals consistent when updating the white gold blue dial Daytona, choosing to preserve the elements that made it popular. However, there are a number of under-the-hood updates and subtle refinements to note. Let’s break down those key differences and technical updates between the 116509 and 126509:
Dial
The signature sunburst blue dial itself is very similar on both references – a gorgeous metallic blue with a radial sunray brushing, which appears vibrant in direct light and almost navy in dimmer conditions. Both have the red “Daytona” text above the running seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, a red chronograph seconds hand, and red accents marking each 5-second increment around the dial track, lending a sporty pop of color. The 18 kt white gold hour markers and hands are filled with Rolex’s long-lasting Chromalight luminous material on both models, glowing blue in the dark.
Rolex did make extremely slight refinements in the dial details for the new generation: the hour indices and the rings around the subdials on the 126509 are a bit thinner than those on the 116509. The difference is subtle; Rolex basically gave the dial a minor “sleeker” update, but kept the overall layout and design identical. Notably, the sub-dials (chronograph 30-minute counter at 3, 12-hour counter at 9, and running seconds at 6) remain tone-on-tone blue on both references (with a snailed texture), maintaining the monochromatic blue aesthetic rather than the panda-style contrasts seen on some Daytona dials.
Rolex Daytona 116509 (left) and Rolex Daytona 126509 (right) appear nearly identical at first glance—both featuring the iconic sunburst blue dial, red “Daytona” lettering, and matching white gold Oyster bracelets.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Rolex Daytona 116509 | Rolex Daytona 126509 |
|---|---|---|
| Case and Thickness | 40mm case, approx. 12.4mm thick; crafted in 18k white gold with classic Daytona profile. | 40mm case, approx. 11.9mm thick; slimmer profile for improved wrist comfort. |
| Bezel | Fixed tachymeter bezel in 18k white gold; traditional case-bezel junction. | Same material and function, but slightly recessed into the case for a more seamless look. |
| Movement | Caliber 4130 – 72-hour power reserve, vertical clutch, column wheel, Parachrom hairspring. | Caliber 4131 – 72-hour power reserve, Chronergy escapement, optimized rotor, improved efficiency. |
| Bracelet and Clasp | Oyster bracelet in 18k white gold; Oysterlock clasp with Easylink extension system. | Same construction and design; slight internal refinements for improved clasp mechanics. |
Prices and Market Value
One of the biggest distinctions between the original Rolex Daytona 116509 with blue dial and its successor, the 126509, lies in their pricing—both at retail and on the secondary market. Rolex has significantly increased the MSRP for the newer reference, and resale prices reflect strong demand. Here's a breakdown of pricing as of mid-2025:
Retail Prices
| Model | Retail Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rolex Daytona 116509 | $41,600 | Discontinued in 2023 |
| Rolex Daytona 126509 | $51,800 | Introduced in 2025 |
This represents a notable $10,200 price increase. Rolex justifies the hike through subtle technical improvements (like the upgraded Caliber 4131) and rising gold prices. However, collector demand and the model’s iconic status also factor heavily into the elevated cost.
Secondary Market Prices
| Model | Market Price (USD) | Market Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rolex Daytona 116509 | $44,000 | Varies by condition and completeness |
| Rolex Daytona 126509 | $65,000 | Premiums for unworn or full-set examples |
These numbers indicate that the 126509 trades for roughly 25% above retail—not unusual for modern Rolex Daytonas. Meanwhile, the discontinued 116509 has appreciated modestly over its original MSRP, maintaining its appeal as a desirable but slightly more accessible alternative.
Investment Value & Market Impact
Both the Rolex Daytona 116509 and 126509 have demonstrated strong potential as investment pieces, particularly within the context of the modern collector market. However, their respective timelines and Rolex’s evolving pricing strategy have created slightly different dynamics. Note: This is not financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.
Daytona 116509: Proven Appreciation
The 116509 has appreciated steadily since its introduction. At launch, it retailed for $41,600 USD (pre-tax) and now fetches around $44,000 on the secondary market. While that’s a modest nominal return, the watch has proven its ability to hold value over time, even in fluctuating markets.
Because it is now discontinued, supply is capped. As collectors continue to seek “pre-1265” Daytonas or John Mayer-endorsed pieces, the 116509 is expected to see long-term appreciation—especially full-set examples in excellent condition.
Daytona 126509: Early Market Premium
The newly released 126509 carries a retail price of $51,800 USD (again, pre-tax), but already trades for around $65,000 on the secondary market. That’s approximately a 25% premium, though after factoring in sales tax on the retail price (which can exceed 7–10% depending on region), the actual return for retail buyers becomes much tighter.
That said, collectors view this reference as “the future-proofed Daytona,” thanks to its upgraded Caliber 4131 movement and refined case profile. As production rolls out and availability remains tight, this model could maintain or exceed its current resale value.
Market Dynamics: How the 126509 Affected the 116509
Interestingly, the release of the 126509 created a two-tier market. Some collectors shifted their attention to the newer model, which slightly tempered the 116509’s value growth. However, others saw the 116509 as a relative bargain—offering nearly the same design and appeal for ~$20,000 less on the secondary market.
This dual presence has helped stabilize 116509 prices and even made it more attractive to value-driven collectors. Meanwhile, the 126509 benefits from the “newness effect,” keeping it in high demand and largely out of stock at authorized dealers.
Final Thoughts
Collectability and Availability
Prospective buyers should be prepared for a challenge. For the 126509, developing a strong relationship with an authorized Rolex dealer is usually the only realistic path to buying at retail – and even then, expect a long wait and no guarantees. Authorized dealers prioritize long-time clients (and often those purchasing other Rolex models) when allocating high-end pieces like this. On the secondary market, the 126509 and 116509 can be found through reputable watch dealers like Watchguys.com.
No matter which you choose, the blue dial white gold Daytona is an elite timepiece that blends luxury and legacy in equal measure. It's no wonder this reference—whether old or new—remains one of the most sought-after in the entire Daytona lineup.
