Dear John

Celebrities and the media have an undeniable influence on the secondary market, and we only need to reference the Daytona-fest that was John Mayers interview on Talking Watches. In a blink of an eye, John Mayer unintentionally catapulted the 2016 yellow-gold and green-dialled Daytona into the spotlight. It’s a true collector’s piece and a total gangbuster on the wrist. Allow us to present our original review, accompanied by some stunning shots.

While the incredibly cool steel Daytona reigns supreme as the go-to Rolex chronograph, the brand ventured into new territories in 2016, releasing variations of their classic chrono in white and yellow gold. Today, we'll delve into the reference 116508, a mesmerizing 18-carat yellow-gold timepiece with a captivating green dial—a colour combination that no swiftie, watch lover or street rando can resist.

The reference 116508 features the same 40mm Oyster case, housing the calibre 4130 movement accurate to within -2/+2 seconds a day. The only distinction lies in the dial, and this dial will make you reassess your priorities in life. While yellow-gold versions of the Rolex Daytona typically sport black or champagne dials, this green variant exudes a sheen and richness that is magnitudes more vibrant than the matcha you’re sipping on.

Of course, green holds a special place in Rolex's colour catalogue, this particular shade differs from the vivid hues of the green Submariner or the mossy green of the new Day-Date 40.

It's a richer tone, reminiscent of pine trees and British racing green, achieved through a starburst technique that seamlessly complements and contrasts with the case, resulting in a stunning visual effect. While this solid-gold Rolex timepiece is far from understated, why should it pretend to be anything else? The green dial amplifies the watch's character without veering into the excessive, although you’d be smart to wear sleeves with this guy on the street.

Yellow gold may have fallen out of favour in recent years, with red or pink gold (or Everose for Rolex) taking center stage as the more fashionable choice. For many, the bold tones of yellow gold appear brash and opulent. However, this perspective is short-term. Red gold has enjoyed its moment in the spotlight for the past two decades, while yellow gold has reigned as the king of precious metals for thousands of years. It's safe to say that the allure of yellow gold won't fade anytime soon, just as the enduring (or not so) impact of John Mayer and Taylor Swift's pop culture kerfuffle.