Rolex Daytona Yellow Gold — Green Stick Dial | Ref. 116508

Few references in the world of modern horology command the cultural authority of the Cosmograph Daytona in 18-carat yellow gold, and the reference 116508 with its green stick dial stands as one of the most sought-after executions in the current production line. The 40mm case, crafted entirely from Rolex's foundry-produced 18-carat yellow gold, houses the hallmarks of the Daytona design: twin pump pushers flanking the screw-down Triplock crown at 3 o'clock, and the legendary tachymetric scale engraved into the fixed bezel — providing the means to calculate average speeds over measured distances, the essential tool of the motorsport world for which the Daytona was originally conceived.

The green lacquer dial is among the most visually arresting in the Daytona family, its rich chromatic depth offset by three contrasting subsidiary registers in white enamel-style finishes: running seconds at 9 o'clock, a 30-minute totaliser at 3 o'clock, and a 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock. Stick-style hour indices maintain maximum legibility while keeping the dial uncluttered — an essential ergonomic consideration in a chronograph designed for active timekeeping at speed. The reference 116xxx designation confirms this model as the host of Calibre 4130, Rolex's entirely in-house chronograph movement. Introduced in 2000 and continuously refined, the 4130 features a linear-lever clutch, vertical coupling, and a column wheel — mechanisms that provide smooth chronograph engagement without the positional variation inherent in older horizontal clutch designs.

Calibre 4130 operates at 28,800 vph, stores approximately 72 hours of power reserve, and carries Rolex Superlative Chronometer certification for ±2 seconds per day accuracy. The Oyster bracelet in matching 18-carat yellow gold with Oysterlock clasp and Easylink extension link completes a watch that defines the confluence of professional timekeeping instrument and precious metal luxury object.