Stainless Steel Rolex GMT-Master II vs White Gold Daytona Model Comparison

.Model Comparisons.
Two Rolex fan favorites, the GMT-Master II and Cosmograph Daytona models offer different functionalities but a similar aesthetic when paired with black dials. The stainless steel GMT-Master II with black bezel shown below (Reference # 116710LN) is a classic professional model that finds its origins in the age of aviation while the white gold Cosmograph Daytona (Reference # 116509) represents the spirit of race car drivers that set land speed records on the sands of Daytona Beach, Florida, half a century ago. Whether traveling by land or by sea, either of these models would make a great companion for anyone looking for the reliability and legacy of a Rolex.

Stainless Steel Rolex GMT-Master II (Left) and White Gold Cosmograph Daytona (Right)
While there is a significant price jump from a stainless steel GMT-Master II to a white gold Daytona, seeing them next to one another shows the slight difference in color between the two materials. The white gold Daytona has a slightly warmer tone than the stainless steel GMT, which has a cooler tone closer to a silver in color. The other notable difference between the two is their functionalities. The GMT-Master II allows the wearer to keep the time of two different locations on one watch, while the Daytona allows the wearer to keep time and pace with a chronograph function. 

White Gold Cosmograph Daytona atop the Stainless Steel Rolex GMT-Master II
The photo above shows the Daytona case atop the GMT-Master II case. Both cases measure 40 millimeters in diameter, but the Daytona case has a slimmer profile. They both feature Oyster bracelets with polished center links, Oysterlock clasps and 5 millimeter Easylink extensions. They are both waterproof to a depth of 100 meters thanks to their Oyster cases and Triplock winding crowns. The GMT-Master II has a date function, with an aperture at 3 o'clock and a Cyclops magnifying lens. The Daytona does not feature a date function, with chronograph sub-dials taking up most of the space on its dial. The hours on the Daytona are marked with arabic numerals in 18 karat white gold appliqués while the GMT features geometric Chromalight appliqués. 

Stainless Steel Rolex GMT-Master II (Left) and White Gold Cosmograph Daytona (Right)
The Cosmograph Daytona model is powered by a 4130 self-winding mechanical movement manufactured completely in-house by Rolex. It has a power reserve of 72 hours and a tachymetric scale printed on the smooth white gold bezel to allow the wearer to measure their pace during laps around the race track. With a 48 hour power reserve, the GMT-Master II features a bidirectional 24 hour bezel that allows the wearer to set the 24-hour hand to GMT time and move the bezel back and forth to switch between timezones around the globe.

Both of these professional Rolex models offer useful complications for everyday life with black and stainless steel/white gold configurations that are far more popular these days than traditional yellow gold configurations. The choice between the two will likely come down to pricing, material and functionality. The red details on the display of the Daytona giving it a sexy look while the clean and clear GMT display make it highly legible. Regardless of which you choose, they both represent Rolex's professional collection very well and will look great your wrist. 

Will Rolex Introduce a Bronze Model Configuration in 2017?

.FAQ.
In a recent New York Times Men's Style article, Alex Williams reports on the current trend of using bronze as a material for luxury wristwatches. The Tudor Heritage Black Bay Bronze, shown in the photo below, was one of the timepieces he mentioned in a list that also included Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Automatic Bronzo and models by IWC and Zenith. I have come across many positive comments about the Black Bay Bronze on blogs and forums and it makes me wonder if Rolex will release a bronze configuration in 2017 - and if so, on which model?
Tudor Heritage Black Bay Bronze (photo: Tudor)
Only time will tell if the watchmaker chooses to expand their bronze product offerings from their sister brand to Rolex, but if I had to guess which model they would choose to go bronze it would be either the Yacht-Master or the Explorer II. Even though the current trend favors dive watches, I think creating a bronze Submariner would dilute the market for the Black Bay. It would probably make more sense if they choose to make the Sea-Dweller 4000 or Yacht-Master in bronze, but I think the Explorer II would make for a killer bronze watch with a chocolate dial. I came up with the concept design below based on the 2016 Explorer II model (Reference # 216570).

Rolex Explorer II Bronze Configuration Concept Design
We will have to wait till Baselworld 2017 to find out what the next year will hold for new Rolex model configurations. Bronze watches may be a passing trend or become a new staple of luxury wristwatch collections in the years to come. The attention Tudor's official website devotes to the Black Bay Bronze on their homepage makes me think that we may be seeing more bronze watches from them in the future. Hopefully their experience with the material will help Rolex decide if it's worth coming up with a bronze watch of their own. For now, my money's on the Explorer II.

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Which is the Smallest 2016 Rolex Model?

.FAQ.
2016 Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 (photo: Rolex)
It should come as no surprise that the smallest Rolex 2016 model is part of their women's watch collection. The Lady-Datejust 26 is available in several dial and bezel combinations in either stainless steel or Rolesor, a combination of white gold and stainless steel. It comes with either an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, with the option of adding diamonds to the dial and bezel. Dial colors range from silver and blue to pink and black. 

Equipped with a 2235 self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, the Lady-Datejust 26 is a certified Swiss chronometer, a designation reserved for high-precision watches that have successfully passed Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) testing. To browse all of the 2016 Lady-Datejust 26 configurations, visit rolex.com. 

White Gold Rolex Daytona vs Sky-Dweller Model Comparison

.Model Comparisons.
Rolex's white gold Cosmograph Daytona model on black leather strap (Reference # 116519) gives the sporty chronograph an elegant look while maintaining its legacy as a watch for race car drivers. The Sky-Dweller shown below to the right of the Daytona also features a white gold/black leather configuration (Reference # 326139) with a similar aesthetic but different size and complication. The Daytona is a beloved classic model that has been around for over half a century. The Sky-Dweller is the latest model introduced by the watchmaker, designed to make it easy to keep time while traveling the globe. 
White Gold Rolex Daytona and Sky-Dweller Models Side by Side
The most obvious difference between the two white gold wristwatch models is the size of their cases. The Daytona, on the left in the photo below, features a 40 millimeter case diameter while the Sky-Dweller to the right has a 42 millimeter case. Two millimeters may not sound like much, but the difference in the height of the cases is clearly visible. Another difference that is made clear in this photo is in the design of the bezels. The Daytona has a tachymetric scale printed on its smooth bezel to allow the wearer to time laps around the race track. The Sky-Dweller is equipped with a Ring Command bezel used to choose between the time and date functions.

White Gold Rolex Daytona (Left) and Sky-Dweller (Right)
Since 2000, the Daytona model has been powered by a 4130 self-winding mechanical movement manufactured in-house by Rolex. It has a power reserve of 72 hours and a depth rating of 100 meters. The dial features center hour and minute hands, a small seconds hand a 6 o'clock, 30 minute counter at 3 o'clock and 12 hour counter at 9 o'clock. The hour markers are made from 18 carat white gold with the Arabic numerals filled with Chromalight luminescence. 

Protected by seven patents, the Sky-Dweller model is equipped with a 9001 self-winding mechanical movement also manufactured in-house by the watchmaker. It too features a power reserve of 72 hours and a depth rating of 100 meters. The black dial features center hour, minute and seconds hands, a 24-hour display on an off-center disc and 12 month apertures around the circumference of the dial, with stop-seconds for precise time setting. 

The Arabic numerals of the Sky-Dweller are made from 18 carat white gold, but without the Chromalight luminescence used on the Daytona model. And, as you can see in the photo below, the Daytona (sitting atop the Sky-Dweller) features a Triplock winding crown while the Sky-Dweller uses a Twinlock winding crown. 

White Gold Rolex Daytona atop Sky-Dweller 
Another notable difference between the two is the fact that Rolex doesn't offer a white gold Cosmograph Daytona with a black dial on leather strap in their 2016 collection, so pricing will vary depending on where you find one. The suggested retail price for the 2016 Sky-Dweller in white gold on black leather strap is approximately $39,550 US. 

While there are obvious differences between these two white gold Rolex models, the Daytona and the Sky-Dweller both offer a sporty style that becomes timeless when paired with a black leather strap. Size, availability and complications will ultimately sway consumers one way or another, but both of these configurations offer a robust list of features that are sure to please anyone. For more information of these models, check out the Rolex Models page of this site or visit rolex.com. 

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2016 Everose Gold Rolex Day-Date

.Rolex Models.
To honor the 60th anniversary of the presidents' watch, Rolex released the Day-Date 40 model in Everose gold and white gold with an olive green dial, the watchmaker's signature color. Powered by a Calibre 3255 manufactured in-house by Rolex, this Superlative Chronometer has a power reserve of 70 hours and functions with a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day. Its 40 millimeter case size brings this classic dress watch into the 21st century while preserving the sophistication that has made this model a favorite amongst the most powerful men in the world for over half a century.

2016 Everose Gold Rolex Day-Date 40 (photo: Rolex/Giovanni Corte)

Among the most prestigious of all Rolex models, the Day-Date 40 features a President bracelet made up of three semi-circular links that conceal the Crownclasp. It has a depth rating of 100 meters thanks to its Oyster case, which is sealed with double watertight security by a Twinlock winding crown. The fluted bezel is characteristic of Rolex's dress watches, encircling the crystal with refracted light. The combination of Everose gold with the olive green dial shown above (Reference # 228235) creates a beautiful color balance that is unique and refreshing when compared to more common precious metal configurations.

The Day-Date model is a favorite of celebrities, as you can see on my Celebrities Wearing Rolex Watches page. This versatile model pleases a wide range of tastes due to its classic aesthetic and clean display. While many, like Justin Timberlake and Victoria Beckham, choose to sport the yellow gold configuration (Reference # 228238), the rose gold configuration is a wonderful choice for anyone who wants their timepiece to stand out. The olive green dial will surely be limited, making it possible for this configuration to appreciate over time if availability should become limited.

For more information on this and other Rolex 2016 models, visit the Rolex Models page on this site or visit rolex.com. The Day-Date is also available in Platinum with an ice blue dial or yellow gold.

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