Hands-On Expert Review: The Rolex Rainbow Daytona

A bold and colorful statement in luxury timepieces, the Rolex Rainbow Cosmograph Daytona is a highly sought after wristwatch for a few excellent reasons. Its nearly 100 gemstones make it a truly vibrant timepiece and its pure gold case and bracelet add significant heft. Rolex accepts nothing but the best, and because of this, the gemstones needed to create the Rainbow are scarce. Combine that with the fact that Rolex only releases the Rainbow Cosmograph Daytona on a very limited basis, and it’s no surprise that a Rainbow Daytona is a watch many collectors consider a grail watch.

This review discusses the following:

> On the Wrist
> An Overview of the Rainbow Daytona
> Watch Materials
> Unique Features
> Rainbow Daytona References
> How Much Does a Rainbow Daytona Cost?
> Frequently Asked Questions

Rainbow Daytona on the Wrist

The handcrafted nature of this watch is only one of the many factors that make it a true rarity in the horological world. Its gems and their scarcity make this watch, according to our expert Tim Mosso, the “stuff legends are made of.” An exquisite choice for collectors, it measures 47.6mm lug to lug, and with the end links, it’s a bold 51.7mm on the wrist. Keep reading to learn more about this top-shelf luxury timepiece.

An Overview of the Rainbow Daytona

The Rainbow Cosmograph Daytona made its debut in 2012 at Baselworld. Initially only available in white gold and yellow gold references, 2018 saw the release of the Rainbow Daytona in Everose with a crystal sub-dial and updated hour markers. This timepiece features 36 baguette-cut sapphires in a rainbow gradation. 56 diamonds adorn the mid-case, creating the illusion of a single and double band on the timepiece. Lastly, Rolex didn’t sacrifice functionality to create a watch that was the epitome of grandeur watches; the tool watch is waterproof up to 100 meters, or 330 feet.

While some found it over the top in its exuberance, one thing was certain: With such limited quantities and superior materials, it would become the proverbial unicorn for collectors of Rolex watches—with a price tag that reflects its nearly mythic status.

Rolex Rainbow Daytona Materials

This luxury watch includes numerous alloys and metals, such as

> Sapphire
> Diamonds
> Yellow gold
> White gold
> Everose

Like everything else Rolex uses to create their stunning timepieces, the colorful gems they use have to be exceptional. Gemstones have to be perfect without flaws or blemishes. Because of this high standard, acceptable diamonds and sapphires are scarce. This demand for perfection isn’t restricted to the Rainbow Daytona. Other watch models that feature a significant number of gemstones have the same standard—these high-end models, which often adorn the wrists of celebrities, are distinct for their over-the-top look and feel.

Because there are so few Rainbow Daytona watches, these timepieces are more than a showy way to keep track of the day. Owning one of these automatically elevates social status. It’s no surprise to see a Rainbow Daytona adorn the wrists of celebrities or that collectors and horology enthusiasts notice every time a Rainbow Daytona is photographed on their wrists.

Features of the Rainbow Daytona

In addition to the colorful bezel, the Rainbow Daytona features an oyster bracelet and a chronograph function. Plus, the additional diamonds featured on the case only add to the opulence of this timepiece.

The Differences Between the Rainbow Cosmograph Daytona References

Reference Number: 116599RBOW
Case Size + Material: 40mm case in Rolex’s proprietary white gold
Movement: Caliber 4130, Automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, and chronograph
Strap/Bracelet: White gold oyster bracelet with double locking clasp
Gemstones: Fixed, 36 Baguette-Cut Rainbow Gradated Sapphire Bezel, Brilliant Cut Diamond Hour Indices

Reference Number: 116598RBOW
Case Size + Material: 40mm case in yellow gold
Movement: Caliber 4130, Automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, and chronograph
Strap/Bracelet: Yellow gold oyster bracelet with double locking clasp
Gemstones: Fixed, 36 Baguette-Cut Rainbow Gradated Sapphire Bezel, Brilliant Cut Diamond Hour Indices

Reference Number: 116595RBOW
Case Size + Material: 40mm case in Everose gold
Movement: Caliber 4130, Automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, and chronograph
Strap/Bracelet: Yellow gold oyster bracelet with double locking clasp
Gemstones: Fixed, 36 Baguette-Cut Rainbow Gradated Sapphire Bezel, Baguette- and Square-cut Sapphires

How Much Does a Rainbow Daytona Cost?

Many Rolex Daytona watches already have a higher price tag with some references exceeding $1,000,000. While the retail price of a Rainbow Daytona is around $97,000, on the pre-owned market collectors should expect to pay between $450,000 to over $1,000,000 for one of these luxury timepieces.

For those who like the look more than the notoriety of the Rainbow Daytona, similar models like the Pearlmaster Datejust go for $25,000 to over $150,000— a comparatively lower price tag for collectors looking to have a colorful luxury watch.

Many features such as box and papers as well as the year and condition are all considered for secondary market pricing.  In some cases, the price can be even higher depending on the specifics about that watch and demand at the time.

For collectors looking for a watch that separates them from the crowd, the Rainbow Daytona is the answer. Its colorful take on what a timepiece should look like makes it stand out, but so does its rarity. With this watch, you’ll gain status and prestige with the unmistakable air of luxury thanks to nearly 100 gemstones and a pre-owned market that is always hungry for the next sale.

When shopping for a Rolex Rainbow Daytona, selecting a reliable and trustworthy company that will evaluate each piece for excellence and provide honest information about what you’re buying is important. Shop with The 1916 Company today for a trustworthy seller in luxury watches.

Related Reading

> The Complete Rolex Buyer’s Guide
> What Will Your Next Rolex Say About You? 
> Celebrity Luxury Watch Collections
> What Are Watch Jewels & Are They Necessary? 
> Top 5 Women’s Rolex Watches

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rolex Rainbow Daytona

Q: Who owns a Rainbow Daytona?
A: Celebrities like Post Malone, John Mayer, and Kevin Hart all own a Rainbow Daytona.

Q: How much is a Rainbow Daytona Rolex worth?
A: Rainbow Daytonas start at as low as $270,000, but often have a price tag at or exceeding $1,000,000.