At Baselworld 2019 Rolex unveiled its most luxurious Rolex for 2019 - a sparkling 18 ct yellow gold version of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona reference 116588 TBR.

This is the iconic watch for those with a passion for driving and speed. This new design makes subtle reference to the 18 ct Everose gold version released in 2018, whose bezel is adorned with sapphires in rainbow colours - a true showstopper at the Baselworld 2018.

This new version applies a more stealthy and uniform design on the celebrated racing chronograph. This new timepiece is designed on the time-honored 40mm Oyster case with pushers at the 2 and 4 o'clock positions.  In lieu of the tachymetric scale on the bezel Rolex designers applied 36 trapeze-cut diamonds. Although this is less colorful than the rainbow of sapphires representing the fine gemologists of Rolex, the diamonds provide an intense sparkle and do not detract from the amazing workmanship of the dial.

The dial is the most amazing part of this timepiece.  The black lacquer dial has black and champagne-colour chronograph counters surrounded by intertwined artistry of black lacquer and diamonds. Encircling the dial are 8 diamond hour markers in 18 ct yellow gold settings, and gold Arabic numerals 15, 30 and 45 located at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions.

The middle case is crafted from a solid piece of 18 ct yellow gold. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The winding crown, fitted with the Triplock triple waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard, screws down securely against the case, along with the chronograph pushers. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire. 

This version of the Cosmograph Daytona is fitted with a rubber Oysterflex bracelet, which extends the black coloring of the timepiece while providing a more comfortable and easy to adjust fit. Rolex designed this bracelet with flexible metal blades manufactured from a titanium and nickel alloy, covered with high-performance elastomer.  It is a highly durable material.  The inside of the Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with longitudinal cushions that stabilize the watch on the wrist. The Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with an Oysterlock folding safety clasp in 18 ct yellow gold, which prevents accidental opening. It also features the Easylink comfort extension link which allows the bracelet length to be increased by approximately 5 mm quickly and easily.


The reference 116588 TBR is equipped with calibre 4130, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement developed and manufactured by Rolex with 44 rubies. Rolex has designed this timepiece with fewer components, a blue Parachrom hairspring and a Rolex overcoil for precision , shock resistance and anti-magnetic elements to protect against interference.  The Calibre 4130 is equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor and offers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is exhaustedly tested and covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification which guarantees precision for 5 years.

The Oyster case of the Cosmograph Daytona is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). As if to not leave anything to chance, Rolex also covers the 19 ct yellow gold hands with highly legible chromalight which provides a long-lasting blue glow even at night.  

Although the representative Rolex Daytona released at Baselworld 2018 was more colorful and eye-catching, I far prefer this timepiece.  The complexity of the design of the dial will draw you in and before you know it you will be lost with wonder admiring this work of art for minutes or even hours.
Although it is less practical than a standard Rolex Daytona for driving purposes, it has a multitude of practical uses. In addition, I find this timepiece more universally designed for men and women than the 2018 model and I would be proud to wear it if I had one.  Although the timepiece is designed to be worn in an active lifestyle such as during exercise, boating, and swimming, I would probably limit the exposure to these activities since it lends itself more to more formal situations.