Rolex is taking its iconic Daytona in an extravagant new direction with four one-of-a-kind, gem-set editions created for a charity auction in London.
Phillips will offer the watches on September 28 in what marks Rolex’s first charity auction. Named after the four seasons, the quartet combines natural-stone dials, colored gemstones, diamonds and precious metals with the legendary chronograph, which was originally developed more than six decades ago for professional racing drivers.
Each Daytona has its own color palette and gemstone combination.
Spring is the most understated of the four, featuring an 18-karat white-gold case paired with a chrysoprase dial, lepidolite subdials and purple-sapphire hour markers. Another 36 purple sapphires surround the bezel.
Summer turns up the color with an Everose-gold case, turquoise dial, ruby subdials and pink sapphires.
Autumn takes a warmer approach, combining yellow gold with mookaite and chrysoprase, complemented by green tourmalines.
Winter is the most dramatic of the collection. Its platinum case surrounds a blue-opal dial with lapis lazuli subdials and diamond hour markers. The bezel is set with 36 sapphires that transition from blue to fuchsia.
All four watches feature an additional 54 brilliant-cut diamonds set across the lugs and crown guard.
Despite their extravagant exteriors, the four watches retain the mechanics of the contemporary Daytona. Each is powered by Rolex’s calibre 4131 and offers approximately 72 hours of power reserve.
The lavish designs represent a striking contrast with the Daytona’s original purpose.
Rolex introduced the Cosmograph in 1963 as a racing chronograph designed for professional drivers. Its tachymetric scale was moved onto the bezel, allowing drivers to calculate speed more easily.
The model’s connection with motorsport was further strengthened by Rolex’s relationship with Daytona International Speedway. The “Daytona” name began appearing on certain watches intended for the U.S. market during the model’s early years before becoming permanently associated with the collection.
A Watch With Auction History
Phillips also has a significant connection to the Daytona.
In 2017, the auction house sold actor and racing enthusiast Paul Newman’s personal Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239 for $17.75 million. Newman’s association with the model helped establish the “Paul Newman Daytona” nickname used by collectors for a distinctive group of vintage references.
The sale also set a world auction record for a wristwatch at the time.
Now, with Rolex’s four seasonal Daytonas, the storied racing chronograph enters another chapter—this time defined less by the racetrack than by precious stones, craftsmanship and philanthropy.
Rolex says the proceeds from all four lots will go to the Federer Foundation and Re:wild. Federer established his foundation in 2003; its work centers on early and foundational learning for children in Southern Africa and Switzerland. Re:wild, co-founded by Leonardo DiCaprio and conservation scientists, works to protect and restore wild ecosystems around the world. Both Federer and DiCaprio are Rolex Testimonees, and the auction is part of Rolex’s Perpetual Planet initiative.
