The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116503 brings warmth and contrast to one of the most celebrated chronographs ever made, combining Oystersteel with 18ct yellow gold in Rolex’s Rolesor construction. Produced between 2016 and 2023, this reference sits at an appealing crossover point in the Daytona range — genuine in-house chronograph engineering paired with a two-tone look that reads equally well in the boardroom or on the wrist alongside gold jewellery.

The 40mm Oyster case pairs a brushed steel body with a solid 18ct yellow gold bezel, engraved with a tachymeter scale for calculating average speeds — a functional nod to the Daytona’s motor-racing origins. The crown and chronograph pushers are also finished in yellow gold, screw-down for security and water resistance. The crisp white dial is set off by contrasting black sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, tracking the 30-minute counter, running seconds, and 12-hour counter respectively, with the Daytona’s signature red “DAYTONA” script curving above 6 o’clock. Luminous hour markers and hands, filled with Chromalight, keep the dial legible in low light.

Inside is the Rolex Calibre 4130, the manufacture’s first ground-up in-house chronograph movement, introduced in 2000 and used across the Daytona line until it was succeeded by the Calibre 4131 in 2023. Built with a vertical clutch for smooth chronograph engagement, it offers an approximate 72-hour power reserve. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the case is water-resistant to 100 metres.

The two-tone Oyster bracelet pairs brushed steel outer links with polished 18ct yellow gold centre links, fastened with a fully milled Oysterlock safety clasp and Rolex’s 5mm Easylink comfort extension for quick on-the-wrist adjustment.

Now discontinued and replaced in the current catalogue by the 126503, the 116503 remains one of the most accessible entry points into a genuine in-house Rolex chronograph, and continues to be one of the most actively traded two-tone Daytona references on the secondary market.

This watch is available to pickup from our boutique in Sydney CBD.

Comes as a full set down to all the links and paperwork.