Rolex Daytona Everose Gold — Rainbow Sapphire Bezel & Black Sapphire Dial | Ref. 116595RBOW

Reference 116595RBOW is among the most visually audacious pieces Rolex has produced — a Cosmograph Daytona in 18-carat Everose gold with a bezel set with 36 baguette-cut sapphires in graduated rainbow coloration and a dial bearing black sapphire hour markers. First introduced to widespread attention in 2012, the 'Rainbow Daytona' became one of the defining grey-market phenomena of the 2010s, with secondary prices reaching multiples of retail within months of release. The rainbow sapphire bezel required Rolex to develop new gem-setting competencies, with each baguette sapphire selected and arranged to create a seamless chromatic gradient from violet through red.

Calibre 4130 powers the 116595RBOW — Rolex's in-house Daytona movement, developed over a decade and introduced in 2000 to replace the Zenith-based Calibre 4030. The 4130 offers a 72-hour power reserve and features a column-wheel chronograph mechanism with a vertical clutch, providing smooth engagement and minimal dial disturbance at chronograph start. The 40mm Everose gold case features the sculpted Daytona dial architecture with three contrasting sub-registers and a tachymetric scale integrated into the bezel.

For collectors, the 116595RBOW represents a convergence of horological prestige and jewellery-level craftsmanship that few references in Rolex's history have matched. Resale premiums remain exceptionally strong, often reaching 3-5x retail for unworn examples with full set. Its status as a cultural touchstone — worn by athletes, entertainers, and collectors alike — has cemented it as one of the defining references of its era.